Early Old-Age Pension for Combatants (UBD) in Ukraine

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for almost two years. During this time, many Ukrainians have taken up arms to defend the borders and independence of Ukraine. While carrying out combat missions, service members must remain focused directly on their military duties, making it extremely difficult to deal with personal matters related to obtaining benefits, pensions, subsidies, and other social guarantees. Many middle-aged and even pre-retirement-age men are currently defending Ukraine from the aggressor, while many of them are also aware that they may be entitled to retire earlier than the standard retirement age established by Ukrainian law.

Indeed, Ukrainian legislation allows persons who have been granted the status of a combatant and have the relevant certificate to receive an early old-age pension. This matter is regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On Compulsory State Pension Insurance”. Under this legislation, men with combatant status must have at least 25 years of insurance record and reach the age of 55. For women, the requirements are more favourable: at least 20 years of insurance record and reaching the age of 50.  

For military personnel seeking to obtain a pension, we offer comprehensive legal assistance throughout the entire process. In order for us to assist you, you will need to provide scanned copies of the following documents:

1. Passport and taxpayer identification number.
2. Employment record book.
3. Military ID.
4. Diploma confirming completion of full-time education.
5. Combatant certificate (UBD).
6. Certificate from the military unit confirming that you are currently serving in the Armed Forces or another relevant military formation.
7. Salary certificates for periods prior to 01.07.2000 (optional).
8. Certificate containing your bank account details (required by the Pension Fund of Ukraine for pension payments through a banking institution).
9. Electronic digital signature required for uninterrupted access to the pensioner’s online account. 

There may also be errors, corrections, inaccuracies, or other deficiencies in the entries contained in your employment record book. We take responsibility for obtaining clarifying certificates and other supporting documents that may affect the calculation and duration of your insurance record. 

After the pension has been successfully granted, we can also arrange for the issuance of a physical pension certificate. To obtain it, you will need to provide us with your photograph. 

Photo requirements:

• taken within the last six months;
• white background;
• colour photograph;
• the face must occupy 70–80 % of the photograph;
• no additional or unrelated objects may be visible. 

If you do not have the time or opportunity to handle the process of obtaining an early old-age pension based on your combatant status, we are ready to handle the entire procedure on your behalf within the shortest reasonable timeframe. Our team of professionals is always ready to assist Ukrainian service members with pension matters.