Eligible Ukrainian Seniors Could Receive an Extra 800 Hryvnia Pension Supplement.

Pension Bonus for 'War Children'

According to Novyny.live: A significant number of elderly Ukrainians qualify for a monthly pension supplement of roughly 800 hryvnias, yet many remain unaware of this benefit. This additional payment applies to individuals officially recognized as 'war children' under the Law 'On Social Protection of War Children,' enacted in 2006. Under this legislation, the supplement amounts to 30% of the minimum old-age pension, which as of 2023 should equal approximately 778 hryvnias per month.

Changes to Payments

However, disbursements for this group have experienced major adjustments over time. In 2011, the supplement was reduced to just 7% of the subsistence minimum for non-working individuals. After 2015, payments were effectively frozen due to state budget laws, leading to a de facto suspension of funding. Although the Constitutional Court later ruled this blocking of payments unconstitutional, the Pension Fund has not reinstated automatic accrual of the supplement.

The 'war children' category includes Ukrainians who were under 18 years of age as of September 2, 1945. It is also crucial to note that the statute of limitations for claiming unpaid amounts is only six months. This issue remains pressing, as many pensioners are unaware of their rights and the possibility of receiving these payments.

This situation highlights the critical need to educate elderly individuals about their entitlements and avenues for financial assistance.

Despite legal rulings affirming the right to this supplement, the lack of automatic disbursement can create financial hardship for seniors. It is essential for state authorities to more actively clarify citizens' rights and ensure compliance with the law in this area.