Seizing Pension Accounts Due to Debts: How Banks and Executors Circumvent the Law

The problem of seizing accounts for pensions and social payments is becoming increasingly relevant for Ukrainians. Lawyer and activist of the NGO 'Social Movement' Vitaliy Dudyn emphasizes that even though the law enshrines the inviolability of such accounts, secured by pensions and social payments, it is often violated due to debts for utility services.

'The law explicitly prohibits the seizure of special accounts for receiving social assistance and pensions. At the same time, the situation changes if funds from other sources, even in symbolic amounts, are credited to the card.'

For many Ukrainians, resolving the issue of account seizures can be complicated due to bureaucratic obstacles. Unblocking is sometimes only possible through court proceedings, as financial institutions are not in a hurry to address this issue amicably. According to Dudyn, executors often profit from seizures, receiving an additional income of 10% from the collected amount.

Protecting pensions and salaries on the card can be achieved by timely payment of utility services and avoiding the accumulation of debts. It is also important to maintain control over financial flows in the account to avoid seizures due to small amounts that may be credited to the card from other sources.