Expert Explained New Rules for Pension Payments to Ukrainians Abroad.

Pension law expert Serhiy Korobkin explained the changes in the rules for pension payments to Ukrainians temporarily residing abroad. According to him, there have been significant changes in the procedures for resuming and extending pension payments over the past two years.

"Over the past two years, and this year as well, there have been significant changes in the rules for resuming and extending pension payments. Moreover, identification must now be completed not only by internally displaced persons," said Korobkin.

The expert explained that now not only internally displaced persons, but also those temporarily residing abroad, must undergo identification annually. This can be done remotely, without visiting the Pension Fund. There are several ways: through the Pension Fund's electronic services portal using an electronic signature, or via videoconferencing with Pension Fund authorities, or by sending an application to the Pension Fund by mail along with a document from the consulate confirming the person's identity," said Korobkin.

As of April 2024, article 47.1 has been added to the law "On Mandatory State Pension Insurance." It states that pension payments to persons temporarily residing outside Ukraine are made to current accounts opened in Ukrainian banks, provided that annual identification is completed by December 31," explained Korobkin.

However, the expert pointed out that this article contradicts article 49 of the same law: "It states that payments are suspended for the entire period of residing abroad, while this one states that payments can be made subject to identification. There is some contradictory interpretation here."

Korobkin also discussed a new provision introduced in 2023: "It states that during martial law in Ukraine, documents required for the appointment or resumption of pension can be sent by mail. This applies to persons who have left Ukraine due to military actions, temporarily reside abroad, and have received temporary protection or refugee status there."

The expert emphasized that extending and resuming pension are different procedures: "To avoid the suspension of payments, identification must be completed: personally appear at the Pension Fund or send an application from abroad by mail. This is a bit more complicated, but there is no alternative."