Preferential Pension for Metallurgical Crane Operators under List No. 1
PENSION FOR WORKERS ENGAGED IN ORE PREPARATION, BENEFICIATION, AGGLOMERATION (SINTERING, BRIQUETTING, PELLETIZING), AND ROASTING OF ORES AND NON-METALLIC MINERALS
A person’s entitlement to a pension depends on their age and the length of their insurance record. Under the general rules, a person must reach the statutory retirement age and have the required insurance record. However, Ukrainian legislation recognises that certain occupations differ from others due to their complexity and specific working conditions. Employment in such occupations may qualify as preferential service and allow a person to retire earlier.
For example, workers employed at crushing, roasting, beneficiation, pelletizing and charge-preparation plants (workshops) processing ores and non-metallic minerals containing 2% or more crystalline (free) silicon dioxide in the dust fall within the so-called List No. 1 approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. These occupations include metallurgical crane operators working in pickling departments.
Requirements for Early Retirement
Under Ukrainian pension legislation, the right to a preferential old-age pension generally arises upon reaching the age of 50. Men must have at least 25 years of insurance record, including at least 10 years of employment in qualifying preferential conditions. Women must have at least 20 years of insurance record, including at least 7 years and 6 months of qualifying preferential employment.
Problems most commonly arise during the pension application process.
The Pension Fund of Ukraine may refuse to grant a preferential pension on the grounds that the applicant has failed to provide a clarifying certificate, even where the employment record book has been completed in accordance with legal requirements. Such actions may be unlawful and violate the pension rights of the applicant.
If the Pension Fund refuses to grant the pension, the applicant may challenge the refusal in court. Ukrainian judicial practice provides significant protection for persons applying for preferential pensions. Relevant examples include the court decisions of 16 February 2021 in case No. 540/2711/20 and 26 April 2019 in case No. 300/695/19.
