In Ukraine, in 2026, significant financial support is provided for certain categories of citizens who have special merits before the state. We are talking about pension supplements that can reach 35–40% of the base amount. It is important to note that this payment is independent of annual indexation and is appointed on the basis of the Law "On Pensions for Special Merits to Ukraine". Information on the conditions for appointing such supplements is confirmed by the Pension Fund administration in the Ternopil region and explanations from relevant authorities.
Who is entitled to an increased pension
The main candidates for receiving such a supplement are mothers of many children. According to current legislation, the right to a supplement is granted to women who have given birth to or adopted and raised to the age of six no less than five children. This requirement is a key criterion for obtaining the status of "special merits to Ukraine" in the context of pension provision. The legislation is aimed at supporting mothers who have made a significant contribution to the demographic development of the country, providing them with additional financial resources in their old age.
Supplement amount in 2026
The amount of the supplement depends directly on the number of children raised and the current subsistence minimum for non-working persons. In 2026, the subsistence minimum is set at 2595 hryvnias. For parents who have raised five children, the supplement amount is 35% of the subsistence minimum, which is equivalent to 908 hryvnias per month. For each subsequent child, the supplement amount increases, reaching significant sizes for mothers with a large number of children. Since the payment is tied to the subsistence minimum, if it increases, the supplement amount is recalculated automatically, ensuring protection against inflation.
Supplement in case of loss of a breadwinner
The law also provides for the consideration of this supplement when appointing a pension due to the loss of a breadwinner. If one non-working family member of the deceased pensioner is entitled to such a pension, they are additionally credited 70% of the supplement that the deceased received. In the event that there are two or more such family members, 90% of the corresponding supplement is taken into account. This provision ensures social protection for families who have lost a breadwinner and allows them to receive support comparable to that received by the deceased pensioner.
Important changes in the pension system
In addition to supplement issues, in 2026, other significant changes occurred in the Ukrainian pension system. Some pensioners receiving payments through Ukreximbank must submit an application to change the bank by September 15, otherwise, from October, funds will be received through Ukrposhta. In addition, new rules for crediting insurance experience for appointing an old-age pension have come into force. Now, periods of work are taken into account even when the employer accrued contributions but did not actually pay them. These changes are aimed at increasing the transparency and fairness of the pension system.
