Old-Age Pension in Ukraine: Requirements and Application Procedure
Even during the war caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian citizens continue to receive pensions and social benefits. In Ukraine, the number of years of insurance record required to qualify for an old-age pension at the age of 60 is gradually increasing. In 2023, the required insurance record was 30 years.
In 2024, to retire at the age of 60, a person was required to have at least 31 years of insurance record. Persons who did not have sufficient insurance record to retire at 60 but had at least 21 years could qualify for an old-age pension upon reaching the age of 63. Persons aged 65 or older could qualify for an old-age pension with an insurance record of between 15 and 21 years.
The insurance record requirements will continue to increase annually until 2028. An application for an old-age pension may be submitted in person or online through the Pension Fund of Ukraine’s electronic services portal. In certain cases, pension documents may also be submitted through an authorised representative in accordance with the procedure established by Ukrainian law.
A number of documents may be required for the pension application, including: a passport or other identity document, taxpayer identification number, employment record book, diploma or other documents confirming periods of education where relevant, children’s birth certificates where such periods affect the pension record, military service documents, as well as documents confirming any special status or entitlement to pension benefits, if applicable.
Depending on the method of application and the particular circumstances, the Pension Fund may require originals, properly certified copies or electronic copies of the relevant documents. The date from which an old-age pension is granted depends, among other things, on when the person applies after becoming entitled to the pension and whether all necessary conditions have been satisfied.
If a person does not have the minimum insurance record required for an old-age pension, they may not be entitled to a standard old-age pension. However, persons who have reached the relevant age and meet the statutory requirements may be entitled to state social assistance instead of a pension. Eligibility for such assistance and its amount depend on the conditions established by Ukrainian social protection legislation, including the applicant’s financial circumstances and family income.
Pension cases may involve numerous legal and practical difficulties that are difficult to resolve without professional assistance. Disputes concerning the calculation of insurance record, recognition of employment periods, calculation of pension payments or refusal to grant a pension may require the assistance of a lawyer specialising in Ukrainian pension law. When applying for a pension, it is important to identify potential problems with documents and employment records as early as possible, as they may directly affect both pension entitlement and the amount of future payments.
In such situations, we can provide comprehensive legal assistance, including communication with the Pension Fund of Ukraine; preparation and submission of applications, requests and complaints; preparation of a statement of claim and supporting documents for court proceedings; representation of pensioners before courts of all instances; and assistance with enforcement of court judgments. We can also assist in obtaining certificates and other documents from employers, archives and other institutions to confirm periods of employment, insurance record and salary information required for pension purposes.
