Pensions suspended from January 2026: who did not pass identification on time.

According to ТСН: Starting from January 2026, some Ukrainians will have their pension payments suspended due to non-compliance with an important requirement of the Pension Fund.

According to the information from the Pension Fund of Ukraine, citizens of retirement age are required to undergo mandatory identification by December 31, 2025. This applies to both residents of temporarily occupied territories and those who have moved from these regions or have been abroad for more than six months.

Identification is necessary to confirm that the payments are received by the person to whom they are designated.

Reasons for the suspension of payments may include: moving abroad for permanent residence, providing false information during pension appointment, or the absence of fund movement in the pension account for more than six months.

How to restore pension

If the pension is suspended, it can be restored. To do this, one must undergo identification and submit an application to the Pension Fund. This can be done:

• in person at a PFU branch;
• via video conference on the PFU portal;
• online through the electronic services web portal;
• at the embassy or consulate of Ukraine abroad (documents are sent by mail or online).

After the resumption of payments, the pensioner will be credited with all amounts that were not paid during the suspension.

Moreover, starting from January 1, 2026, pensions in Ukraine will increase. This increase is possible due to the rise in the minimum living wage and minimum salary. In particular, pensions will be recalculated for persons with minimum and maximum payments.

Also, from January 1, the rules for retirement are changing. New enhanced requirements regarding insurance experience for pension entitlement by age will come into effect.

Thus, it is important for Ukrainians to keep track of key changes in the pension system and timely fulfill requirements to avoid the suspension of payments. Moreover, the anticipated increase in pensions creates certain opportunities for improving the financial situation of pensioners, but it is essential to timely fulfill all formalities to ensure these payments.