In Ukraine, combatants (UACs) and war veterans are entitled to additional pension payments enshrined at the legislative level. The legal basis is the Law «On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection», cited by RBC-Ukraine. These supplements are designed to compensate for the special conditions of service and the consequences of participating in the defense of the state, and their amount in 2026 is tied to current socio-economic indicators, specifically the subsistence minimum.
Monthly Supplement for Combatants
Combatants receive a monthly pension supplement equal to 25% of the subsistence minimum for persons who have lost their working capacity. In 2026, this subsistence minimum is set at 2,595 hryvnias, which means an additional payment of nearly 650 hryvnias monthly. Thus, the supplement is automatically indexed following changes in the baseline figure, and veterans do not need to submit a separate application each time for a recalculation of this part of their payment.
Targeted Assistance and Minimum Pension for Defenders with Disabilities
In addition to the main supplement, war veterans and individuals who have sustained disabilities as a result of the war receive targeted assistance of 40 hryvnias per month. The state also guarantees a minimum pension amount for defenders who have become disabled due to the war. According to the Pension Fund of Ukraine, in 2026 this minimum amount is 6,197 hryvnias, whereas last year it was 5,528 hryvnias. This signifies a noticeable annual increase in the guaranteed pension «floor» for this category of citizens.
Retention of Pension Upon Re-Enlistment and Early Retirement
An important protection mechanism is the retention of the pension in cases where a veteran returns to service. If a pensioner serves again in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a contract or during mobilization, payments are not suspended. After completing service, the Pension Fund recalculates the pension taking into account additional length of service and seniority. Furthermore, combatants have the right to early retirement: men can claim it from the age of 55 with an insurance record of at least 25 years, and women from the age of 50 with a record of at least 20 years.
How to Apply for Pensions and Supplements
To apply for a pension and receive all due supplements, you must contact any service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. You should bring your passport, tax identification number, documents confirming your work record, as well as a combatant ID and other papers confirming your participation in the defense of the state. It is on the basis of this document package that the fund calculates the base pension and all statutory supplements.
Age Supplements and Related Benefits
Separately, pensioners over 70 years old receive a monthly age-related supplement of 300, 456, or 570 hryvnias depending on age; these amounts are transferred automatically, without submitting an application. RBC-Ukraine also reminds that internally displaced persons can apply for housing subsidies until November 30: if documents are submitted in a timely manner, assistance is granted from the start of the heating season, which is especially relevant ahead of the winter period.
