What Will Be the Pension Amounts in Ukraine in 2026: Forecasts and Trends
The issue of future pension amounts remains a pressing concern for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians already receiving social benefits.
Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the draft state budget for 2026, which outlines the approaches to shaping key social payments, including pensions.
It is known that this document includes new indicators for the subsistence minimum and minimum pension levels, which will significantly impact the financial well-being of Ukrainian retirees.
According to lawyer and attorney Ivan Khomich, estimated figures for next year have been announced.
His forecasts suggest that pension payments in Ukraine will increase again in 2026: the minimum pension will reach 2,595 hryvnias, which is 234 hryvnias higher than the current figure of 2,361 hryvnias.
This increase is tied to the rising subsistence minimum for individuals who have lost their ability to work, which will grow from 2,361 to 2,595 hryvnias.
Additionally, the maximum pension will also rise to 25,950 hryvnias, representing an increase of nearly 2,340 hryvnias compared to now.
This reflects ten times the subsistence minimum for this category.
The minimum salary, which has remained unchanged for two years, is expected to be adjusted to 8,647 hryvnias in 2026 (up from the current 8,000).
Consequently, pensions linked to the minimum wage will also increase for those over 65 years old with full work experience—35 years for men and 30 for women.
For this category, the minimum pension is 40% of the minimum wage, which will amount to 3,458.80 hryvnias next year.
Further, contributions for extra years of service are set to rise, with an additional almost 26 hryvnias per year worked beyond normal hours, slightly above the current 23.61 hryvnias.
As for possible pension reductions in 2026, expert Ivan Khomich emphasized that such scenarios are unlikely for the majority of Ukrainians, as legislation ensures pension payments are preserved at their previous levels even if recalculations occur.
However, there is an exception for certain categories of special pensioners, where court rulings this year ordered the Pension Fund to pay pensions exceeding 23,610 hryvnias.
The government temporarily restricted such payments to this amount during martial law, affecting approximately 20,000 individuals.
Overall, Ukraine’s pension system will evolve based on economic and social trends, which will be reflected in future budget proposals.
Staying informed about legislative updates and government forecasts remains crucial for seniors and those planning for retirement.