Increased pensions and 25% salary supplement: mountain communities have forgotten about such a bonus

The state is obliged to compensate social guarantees for living in the mountains. The remoteness from hospitals, schools, banks, and severe weather conditions make the everyday life of residents in mountain communities challenging. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets emphasized that mountain supplements are not a benefit but a legal right of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. This is reported by the publication “News of Transcarpathia”.

What benefits are guaranteed to residents of mountain communities

According to the Law of Ukraine on the status of mountain settlements, the state provides increased social standards for residents of such territories.

Main guarantees:

• salary supplement - 25% of the official salary for employees of institutions and enterprises in mountainous areas;

• increased pensions - by 20% for individuals living or working in mountainous areas;

• preservation of supplements for teachers, medical staff, and social workers, even if they are funded through state programs;

• compensation for transport, fuel, payment for utilities, and priority in infrastructure development.

The Ombudsman's position: it is not a privilege, but a right

Lubinets emphasized that refusal to calculate such payments is a violation of the Constitution, specifically Articles 43 and 46, which guarantees the right to fair remuneration and social protection.

«Depriving citizens of mountain supplements or not considering the status of the settlement in salary payment or pension assignment is a direct violation of human rights,» he noted.

The ombudsman's office assures that they are exercising parliamentary control over the observance of the rights of residents of mountain areas and responding to all cases of violations.

Thanks to those who keep “Ukraine at high altitude”Lubinets thanked educators, medical workers, and social workers who continue to work in difficult conditions. Thanks to their work, life in the mountains does not stop, and communities remain vibrant.