Rules for Pension Payments to Retirees Living Abroad Explained by Ukrainian Authorities

Annual Identity Verification Required for Ukrainian Pensioners Overseas

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian retirees temporarily residing outside the country must complete a yearly in-person identity verification by December 31 to continue receiving their pensions. The Pension Fund of Ukraine has issued guidance on this requirement, covering topics such as re-verification, status checks, video identification without an electronic signature, and contact information for assistance.

Under current legislation, pension payments are contingent upon successful physical identity verification. This process must be repeated annually, with a deadline of December 31 each year. If verification is completed in 2026, no further action is needed until the following year. According to Article 47-1 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Compulsory State Pension Insurance,' this is a mandatory condition for maintaining pension disbursements.

Video Identification Process and Support Contacts

The Pension Fund of Ukraine's web portal offers a service called 'My Identification,' enabling pensioners to check their status and proceed with verification. If an individual has not yet completed the process, the 'Date' and 'Source' fields remain blank. For added convenience, the Fund also provides a video identification option that does not require an electronic signature. Appointments for video identification can be scheduled on the portal at portal.pfu.gov.ua without needing to log into a personal account.

You can schedule an identification session via video conference on the public part of the portal, without logging into a personal account or using a qualified electronic signature. - Pension Fund of Ukraine

For further information and consultations, pensioners can contact the Pension Fund of Ukraine's call center at the following numbers:

• 0 800 503 753
• (044) 281-08-70
• (044) 281-08-71

Step-by-step video guides for completing the identification process are also available on the Pension Fund of Ukraine's YouTube channel, offering practical assistance to understand the procedure.

This identity verification process is essential for ensuring uninterrupted pension payments to Ukrainian retirees living abroad. The introduction of online services and video identification has made the procedure more accessible, easing challenges related to distance or other circumstances. It is crucial for pensioners to adhere to the established deadlines to avoid any disruption in their benefits.