Chornobyl Pensions in Ukraine: Changes from 1 January 2022
The year 2022 was extremely eventful, and amid the constant flow of information it was often difficult to identify developments that were particularly important. One such development concerned changes to pension benefits for persons affected by the Chornobyl disaster. From 1 January 2022, Ukraine introduced changes affecting pension payments to certain categories of Chornobyl liquidators and other persons entitled to benefits under the relevant legislation.
As mentioned above, the legislative changes came into effect on 1 January 2022. What exactly changed? To understand this, it is necessary to compare the rules that applied before and after that date. Before 1 January 2022, special pension calculation rules applied to certain persons who participated in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster and subsequently became persons with disabilities.
From 1 January 2022, the legislation expanded the categories of persons covered by the relevant pension guarantees. In particular, the changes affected certain participants in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster who had been assigned to such work by enterprises, institutions and organisations and subsequently acquired a disability connected with participation in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster.
The amendments also affected certain persons receiving a survivor’s pension following the death of a Chornobyl liquidator. Therefore, the legislative changes were important not only for the liquidators themselves but also for eligible members of their families.
In monetary terms, the changes introduced in 2022 resulted in increases in minimum pension guarantees for certain categories of persons with disabilities as a result of the Chornobyl disaster. The exact amount of a pension depends on the person’s status, disability group, category and other circumstances established by Ukrainian legislation.
The increases in minimum pension payments for Chornobyl liquidators with disabilities also differed depending on the disability group. Therefore, when determining the correct amount of a Chornobyl pension, it is important to consider not only the general statutory provisions but also the individual status of the pensioner and the documents confirming entitlement to the relevant benefits.
Another important question is whether the procedure for applying for a pension changed during martial law. In general, applicants continue to have the possibility of applying for a pension either in person or electronically.
The first option is to apply personally to a service centre of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and submit the necessary documents. The second option is to apply for a pension online through the web portal of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
For an online application, the applicant must log in to the electronic services of the Pension Fund using one of the available electronic identification methods. After authorisation, the applicant can complete an application for a pension, attach electronic copies of the required documents and submit them to the Pension Fund for consideration.
After the application has been submitted, the Pension Fund reviews the documents and determines whether the applicant is entitled to the relevant pension. The result of the application can be monitored through the applicant’s personal account on the Pension Fund’s web portal.
It is also important to pay attention to the date of application for an old-age pension. Under the general rules, if a person applies for an old-age pension no later than three months after reaching the statutory retirement age, the pension may be granted from the day following the date on which the person became entitled to it. If the application is submitted later, the pension is generally granted from the date of application. Therefore, applicants should not unnecessarily delay submitting their pension documents.
In conclusion, the amendments to Ukrainian pension legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2022 strengthened pension guarantees for certain categories of persons affected by the Chornobyl disaster. At the same time, entitlement to a particular pension amount should always be assessed individually, taking into account the applicant’s status, disability group, participation in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster and other circumstances relevant to pension calculation.
