A new procedure for issuing special ID cards for citizens receiving state social assistance has come into force in Ukraine. Starting May 1, 2026, the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) began issuing documents confirming the right to state support. This simplifies the process of obtaining benefits and confirms the status of assistance recipients.
Who is eligible for the ID card
The new ID cards are intended for individuals receiving state social assistance in accordance with two key laws: "On State Social Assistance for Persons with Childhood Disabilities and Children with Disabilities" and "On State Social Assistance for Persons Not Entitled to a Pension and Persons with Disabilities".
These categories include people over the age of 65 who are not entitled to a pension, citizens with disabilities, as well as children of deceased breadwinners. The amount of the payment depends on the recipient's status and is determined individually.
How to obtain the document
To receive the ID card, an application for its production must be submitted to the territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The document will be issued by the specific PFU branch indicated by the applicant in their request.
If the recipient of assistance is a minor or an incapacitated citizen, the application can be submitted by their parents or other legal representatives. This ensures access to social support even for those who cannot process the documents independently.
Legal basis and deadlines
The procedure for the preparation, production, and issuance of ID cards was approved by the PFU Board Resolution No. 12-1 dated March 20, 2026. The document came into force on May 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the practical implementation of the new system for identifying assistance recipients.
Context of the reform
The introduction of ID cards takes place against the backdrop of broader changes in Ukraine's social policy. Previously, the Verkhovna Rada approved in the first reading a draft law on the introduction of basic social assistance. It proposes merging several existing payments into a single system, the amount of which will be calculated individually, taking into account the needs of a specific household.
This reform aims to increase the efficiency of social support and reduce bureaucratic barriers for citizens. The ID cards will become an important element of the new system, ensuring transparency and accessibility of assistance for those in need.
