Ukraine provides a monthly state payment for individuals awarded the title Hero of Ukraine along with the Golden Star Order. Starting January 1, 2026, the amount is 25,941 hryvnias—exactly three minimum wages. A key nuance that awardees themselves often overlook is that the money is not transferred automatically. To receive the payment, recipients must independently contact the territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and submit an application with a package of documents.
Who is Eligible for the Payment
The right to a monthly payment equivalent to three minimum wages is stipulated by Law No. 2454-IX. It is assigned to those who have been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine with the Golden Star Order since 2014. A mandatory condition is direct participation in the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is this combination of the title, the date of its award, and the fact of participation in state defense that forms the basis for granting the funds.
Payment Amount and Calculation Procedure
The calculation is based on the Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2026" dated December 3, 2025, No. 4695-IX. From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is set at 8,647 hryvnias, making the triple amount 25,941 hryvnias per month. It is important to note that this is the amount before any deductions that may be applied in accordance with the law.
How to Apply for the Payment
To have the payment assigned, the awardee must contact the local territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine at their place of residence and submit an application along with the necessary documents. The payment is granted from the date of application, not from the date the title was awarded. The application with all attached documents is reviewed within 10 working days, after which a decision on approval or refusal is made.
Important Nuances to Keep in Mind
The title of Hero of Ukraine by itself does not guarantee the automatic receipt of funds. The right to the payment depends on compliance with all conditions stipulated by law, so even with the Golden Star Order, a person must separately initiate the application process. Missing the application means that funds for the preceding period are generally not recovered retroactively without separate review.
Context: Other Social Guarantees in 2026
Simultaneously, the state is simplifying the confirmation of work experience for pensions: if the labor book is lost or contains errors, experience can be proven by other documents, such as salary issuance records, or in their absence, testimonies of at least two witnesses. Also, combatants in 2026 are entitled to a 75% discount on utility bills, and persons with disabilities due to war receive a 100% discount within regulatory limits. These measures form a comprehensive package of social guarantees for awardees and defenders of the country.
