Two Critical Issues That Could Delay Your Pension in January 2026.

Potential Pension Payment Delays in January 2026: Key Issues and Solutions

According to Novyny.live: The Ukrainian Pension Fund (Pension Fund of Ukraine, PFU) has issued a warning about two specific issues that could prevent pension payments from being issued in January 2026. The agency has also outlined the necessary steps recipients must take to ensure their payments resume. These potential disruptions are linked to failing to complete a mandatory in-person identity verification process or not submitting a required declaration regarding non-receipt of Russian pensions.

Primary Reasons for Payment Suspension

• Failure to Complete In-Person Identity Verification: Pensioners must complete this mandatory procedure by December 31, 2025. The status of this verification can be checked via the government's electronic services portal or the official 'Pension Fund' mobile application. Crucially, the PFU will not process pension payments for any individual who has not finalized this identity check by the deadline.
• Missing Declaration for Non-Receipt of Russian Federation Pensions: Displaced persons and refugees who are residing in or have fled from temporarily occupied territories must formally notify the PFU by mail if they are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation. This notification is a prerequisite for the Ukrainian pension to be reinstated. As the PFU stated, 'If you are in temporarily occupied territories or have left them and have not submitted a notification to the Ukrainian Pension Fund about not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation, and your payment has been suspended as a result, it will be resumed only after the Fund's offices receive such a notification.'

To avoid any interruption in their income, pensioners are strongly advised to ensure they meet both requirements promptly. This guidance is particularly vital for those affected by the ongoing conflict, as procedural compliance is essential for maintaining financial stability. Given the challenging circumstances in Ukraine, especially for individuals in conflict-affected areas, adhering to these official procedures is more critical than ever to guarantee the continuity of pension support.

Proactively addressing these two issues is essential for preventing payment delays that could significantly impact a pensioner's financial well-being.