Amidst the ongoing martial law and the need for financial support for the families of fallen defenders, the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) published important clarifications in August 2026 regarding payments of pensions for loss of a breadwinner for students. The main point was that official employment of a student is not grounds for automatic termination of payments. This decision aims to support young people who are forced to combine studies with work to ensure their livelihood.

Priority of education over employment

According to the PFU clarifications, the key factors for the appointment and continuation of pension payments to students are age and form of study, not the presence of a job or the amount of salary. Payments are made to children studying on a full-time basis until the end of their studies, but no longer than until they reach the age of 23. Thus, a student has the full legal right to work officially and receive a pension simultaneously, provided they maintain their student status and do not exceed the maximum age.

Four grounds for termination of payments

Despite the liberalization of rules regarding employment, there are clear criteria under which the payment of a pension for loss of a breadwinner ceases. The PFU identified four main cases where the right to receive funds is lost:

  • The student reaching the age of 23.
  • Transfer from full-time study to part-time or evening study.
  • Graduation from the educational institution.
  • Expulsion from the educational institution.

It is important to note that the fact of earning income itself is not included in this list. This allows students to flexibly plan their time and finances without fearing the loss of state support due to the need to earn extra money.

Student status during holidays

Special attention in the clarifications is paid to the situation of students who are on holidays. The PFU confirmed that the academic year lasts 12 months and includes the holiday period. Consequently, if a student does not lose their status (is not expelled or transferred to another form of study), the pension payment continues during summer or winter months. This also applies to first-year students who have just finished the first semester or academic year: their right to a pension is preserved throughout the entire holiday period.

Digitalization and simplification of procedures

In 2026, the procedure for confirming the right to a pension for full-time students has been significantly simplified. During the martial law, the need to submit a certificate from the educational institution to the Pension Fund annually has been abolished. Now the PFU receives the necessary information about studies directly from state registries. This eliminates bureaucratic delays and the need for students to personally visit fund branches to extend payments.

Additional support measures and "patron" pension

In addition to standard payments, a mechanism known as the "patron" pension operates in Ukraine. It allows citizens to transfer money directly to a specific pensioner through the Pension Fund portal. In this case, only 70% of the amount reaches the pensioner, while the remaining funds remain in the fund; however, such transfers are not taxed and do not affect the calculation of subsidies. Furthermore, certain categories of pensioners — war veterans, Olympic champions, cosmonauts, and persons with state awards — are entitled to a special allowance for special merits to Ukraine. In 2026, the amount of this allowance ranges from 596.85 to 908.25 hryvnias monthly.