Pension Recalculation in Ukraine

One of the most common issues pensioners seek legal assistance with is pension recalculation in Ukraine. In what circumstances can a pension be recalculated? The most common situations include:

1. Pension recalculation based on additional pensionable service. This type of recalculation generally concerns working pensioners who have acquired additional pensionable insurance service after their pension was awarded or previously recalculated. In particular, the acquisition of 24 months of additional pensionable service may provide grounds for recalculation in accordance with Ukrainian pension legislation. In certain cases, recalculation is carried out automatically, while in others the pensioner may submit an appropriate application to the Pension Fund of Ukraine
2. Recalculation and indexation of an existing pension. Pension indexation is generally carried out by the Pension Fund of Ukraine automatically in accordance with the procedure established by Ukrainian legislation. Nevertheless, pensioners should check whether the indexation has been performed correctly and whether all relevant indicators have been properly applied. If necessary, an application or complaint may be submitted to the Pension Fund.
3. Recalculation of military pensions. Military pensions and pensions of certain other categories of former service personnel may be subject to recalculation where the relevant monetary allowance used for pension calculation changes and other statutory conditions are satisfied. In practice, disputes frequently arise regarding the amount of monetary allowance, the certificates used for recalculation, the date from which the recalculation should be made, and the actions or inaction of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Where the Pension Fund refuses to carry out a lawful recalculation, its decision or inaction may be challenged before an administrative court

Depending on the type of pension and the grounds for recalculation, an application for pension recalculation may generally be submitted in one of the following ways:

1. by applying to the relevant authority of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and submitting the required application and supporting documents
2. electronically through the Pension Fund of Ukraine web portal. Electronic services allow pensioners to access their personal account using an available electronic identification method and submit applications and supporting documents online where the relevant service is available

Submitting documents electronically can be particularly convenient because it saves time and makes it possible to interact with the Pension Fund of Ukraine without repeatedly visiting its offices. The online system may also allow pensioners to review information contained in their pension records, submit documents and monitor certain applications through their personal account.

Before applying for a pension recalculation in Ukraine, it is advisable to determine the legal grounds for recalculation and calculate the expected result. This is particularly important where the issue concerns additional pensionable service, salary indicators, military pensions or an incorrect calculation previously made by the Pension Fund of Ukraine.