Ukrainian pension legislation has established a strict arithmetic rule: the difference between the minimum and maximum pension is exactly tenfold. This gap is enshrined at the legislative level and will become the key benchmark for payments starting January 1, 2026.
Tatiana Korol, Deputy Chairman of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, explained the details of the calculation mechanism in response to a request from RBC-Ukraine. The expert emphasized that the new limits are tied to the subsistence minimum for non-working individuals.
Full insurance record — a mandatory requirement
According to the updated rules, the minimum old-age pension from 2026 onwards will be 2,595 UAH per month. However, receiving this guaranteed amount is possible only with a full insurance record. For men, this figure is 35 years, and for women, it is 30 years. This requirement is clearly stipulated in Article 28 of Law No. 1058.
The absence of the necessary service record may result in the payment being calculated proportionally to the time worked, which will significantly reduce the final amount.
Payment ceiling and additional benefits
The upper limit of pension provision is also strictly regulated. The maximum pension cannot exceed ten times the subsistence minimum. In monetary terms, this means that from the beginning of 2026, the payment cannot exceed 25,950 UAH. The restriction is established by Article 27 of the same law.
In addition to the basic pension, the state provides additional payments for the elderly. Upon reaching the age of 70, pensioners are entitled to a compensatory supplement, the amount of which ranges from 300 to 570 UAH depending on age. It is important to note the condition: such a supplement is accrued only if the total amount of pension income does not exceed 10,340 UAH.
Special conditions for citizens from risk zones
The PFU pays special attention to pensioners living in occupied territories or those who have left the country. To receive payments in Ukraine, they must confirm that they are not receiving similar funds from the Russian occupation authorities.
The confirmation procedure is conducted once. Citizens can complete the documentation through the Pension Fund web portal, send an application by mail, or visit a service center in person.
