Pension Rights for Combat Veterans: Early Retirement Opportunities and Special Service Experience Benefits
Ukrainian servicemen who participated in combat operations and served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine have special opportunities to retire earlier than civilians. In light of current wartime challenges and the growing number of veterans, it is crucial to understand what conditions give the right to early retirement and what documents are needed to exercise this right. According to official data and analyses, military personnel who served in active combat zones and obtained the status of a Participant of Combat Operations (UБД) have access to preferential service experience, which facilitates early pension eligibility. Notably, months spent in combat are counted as three months of service each, provided that at least one month of direct participation is documented. This means that a 12-month frontline deployment effectively counts as 36 months of pensionable service. Regarding age conditions, male combatants can retire from the age of 55 if they have accumulated at least 25 years of insurance service; female combatants can retire from age 50 with a minimum of 20 years of service. The length of service is considered full insurance experience, enabling military personnel to access early retirement under specific legal parameters. To apply for early pension, applicants must submit a set of documents including proof of combat participation, military ID, issued certificates of participation, employment records, passport, taxpayer ID, and a certificate of remuneration issued by the military enlistment office or relevant authority. These documents can be submitted either in person at the nearest Pension Fund service center or online through the official portal. It is also important to consider that the timing of retirement and future pension amounts depend on current legislation, and delaying the retirement age does not affect the pension size.