New Government Rules Simplify Pension Work History Verification for War-Affected Ukrainians

Ukraine Eases Verification of Work Experience for Pension Eligibility

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Ukrainian government has introduced measures to make it easier for individuals to prove their pension work history, especially for those lacking official employment records. This change is crucial for people who have lost their documents due to ongoing conflict or military occupation. Moving forward, pension eligibility will primarily be confirmed through data from state electronic registries. If such data is unavailable, traditional work books and an expanded list of other documents will be considered.

Prime Minister Serhii Koretsky emphasized, "Work experience will first be verified using state electronic registries. If these records are missing, employment books and additional verified documents will be taken into account."

For those without any official paperwork, work history can also be established through testimony from at least two witnesses who worked alongside the claimant. The Pension Fund will assist individuals in locating these witnesses to support the verification process.

Special Provisions for Those from Conflict and Occupied Areas

A dedicated procedure has been set for people employed in temporarily occupied regions or active combat zones, as well as for those whose documents were destroyed during the war. "For those who worked in enterprises located in occupied territories or conflict zones, and for individuals whose records were lost due to the war, a separate method of crediting work experience has been established. These government actions aim to ensure that war-affected citizens do not lose their pension rights because of missing documentation," Koretsky stated.

The transition period for transferring information from paper employment books to the electronic system will conclude on June 10, 2026. Nevertheless, paper workbooks will remain valid, and work experience can still be verified after this deadline.

This policy marks a significant effort to support Ukrainians impacted by the war, enabling them to claim their pensions despite the loss of vital documents. Simplifying the confirmation process through electronic records and colleague testimonies will alleviate challenges for many who have suffered job and document losses amid the fighting. Effective implementation of these reforms is essential to safeguard social security rights and ease access to benefits for those affected.

These recent changes are part of a broader effort to support war-affected citizens in securing their pension rights. For a deeper understanding of the new protocols that allow for the confirmation of pension records without traditional employment documentation, you can explore the comprehensive details in our related article on the updated procedures for verifying pension history.