Many Ukrainians whose working life fell within the 1990–2010 period are now facing a serious problem when applying for a pension. At that time, official employment was difficult, salaries were often paid 'in envelopes', and documents were lost or not filed at all. Now, when it is time to retire, the question arises: how to get at least a minimum pension?

Working 'in the shadows' and its consequences

RBC-Ukraine discussed the situation with lawyer Elena Voronkova, who explained the key points. According to her, the amount of salary directly affects the amount of the future pension, but not the very possibility of receiving it. The main thing is the presence of confirmed work experience.

There are two most common situations:

  • The person worked completely unofficially, without an employment contract and contributions.
  • The person was employed, but a significant part of the salary was received 'in an envelope', and only a minimum amount appeared in the documents.

In the second case, if the person was officially employed, the corresponding work and insurance experience is credited, and a pension is granted. However, payments are calculated exclusively based on officially confirmed earnings. 'If a person worked for a minimum wage, then their pension will also be minimal, because there will be no coefficients there,' emphasized Elena Voronkova.

What to do if there is not enough work experience?

If a person was not officially employed during certain periods and lacks the work experience required for a pension, there are two options. First, you can wait until you reach an age where work experience requirements are reduced. For example, in 2026, to receive a pension at 63, you need at least 23 years of work experience, and at 65 — at least 15 years of insurance or work experience.

Second, for those who still do not have enough work experience, the state may grant basic social assistance or state social assistance to persons who do not have the right to a pension. This is not a full pension, but it allows you to receive financial support in old age.

How to restore data on work activity?

Lawyers have previously explained how to confirm work experience if the enterprise where a person worked has long ceased to exist. The RBC-Ukraine article described which documents and steps will help restore data on work activity in the absence of an enterprise archive. These include witness testimony, copies of work books, extracts from orders, certificates from former colleagues, and other documents that can confirm the fact of employment.

Why an 'envelope' costs part of the pension

Paying a salary 'in an envelope' by the employer can cost the employee part of their future pension. Unofficial payments are not taken into account when calculating insurance experience and the final pension. This means that even if a person worked for many years, but their salary was hidden, they may receive a minimum payment or remain without a pension altogether.

Thus, the problem of pension registration for those who worked 'in the shadows' in the 90s and 00s remains relevant. It is important to remember that the more officially confirmed work experience and earnings, the higher the chances of a decent pension. And if there are no documents — it is worth trying to restore them through legal mechanisms or apply for social assistance.