Changes in the Procedure for Pension Payments to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Ukrainians Abroad: What You Need to Know
Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to leave their homes due to military actions continue to receive pension payments, regardless of their location. This applies to internally displaced persons (IDPs), residents of temporarily occupied territories (TOT), and Ukrainians staying abroad. The press service of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine announced significant changes in the pension receiving process aimed at making it more convenient and uninterrupted amid martial law. A key innovation is the expanded access to pensions for individuals who previously might have faced restrictions due to their special status or living conditions. Now, IDPs or those who left the TOT can receive their payments through any authorized bank in Ukraine. It is no longer necessary to use only "Oschadbank," which was traditionally the sole bank servicing these payments. This makes the process more flexible and provides more options for choosing a banking institution that is convenient for the recipient. To facilitate pension receipt, individuals can change their bank either in person at the Pension Fund or online via the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) web portal, or by submitting a relevant application at the new bank. Additionally, it is possible to visit any authorized bank or Ukrposhta branch for pension delivery with home delivery options. This reduces bureaucratic hurdles and simplifies access to social payments in the most difficult conditions. Regarding pensioners living in temporarily occupied territories or abroad, additional deadlines and conditions for receiving payments have been introduced. Specifically, they are required to undergo an annual physical identification procedure—confirming the recipient’s identity. This must be completed by December 31 of each year and involves verifying personal details to prevent abuse and fraudulent schemes. Furthermore, pensioners from the TOT or those abroad are required to carry out minimal banking operations using their pension card (such as making at least one login or expenditure of funds at least once every six months). This requirement ensures that data remains current and confirms the receipt of payments. Another important aspect is the necessity for individuals to inform the Pension Fund of Ukraine that they do not receive pensions from Russian structures. This must be done via an application during pension assignment, renewal, or extension, or in any other form. This measure aims to prevent double payments and verify the legality of pension receipt. Previously, the Main Directorate of the Pension Fund of Luhansk region noted that pensioners in occupied territories or abroad could find out the results of the video identification procedure, which is mandatory for confirming identity and continuing payments. This process allows for more effective control and helps prevent fraud. Overall, these innovations create conditions for more convenient and uninterrupted pension receipt under wartime conditions, ensure transparency and oversight of payments, and support the social stability of Ukrainian citizens in need, regardless of their location.