From 2026, pensions in Ukraine will be increased: who and by how much payments will grow.

According to ТСН: Starting January 1, 2026, a 'small indexing' of pensions will begin in Ukraine. As a result of the 'unfreezing' of social standards, the minimum subsistence level and minimum wage will increase, which will automatically affect payments for millions of Ukrainians.

New requirements for insurance experience: retiring at 60 will become more difficult

Those planning to retire in 2026 after reaching 60 years will face new challenges. The minimum insurance experience will increase again.

Starting January 1, 2026, it will be necessary to have at least 33 years of insurance experience (in 2025 it was 32 years).

If the experience is insufficient, retirement will only be possible at 63 or 65 years, depending on the number of years worked.

'Small indexing': how payment amounts will change

Since January 1, the minimum subsistence level for non-working individuals is increasing, and so will the corresponding payments:

The maximum pension will be limited to 10 minimum payments. This applies to regular labor pensions, not special payments (for example, for judges).

Allowances for titles and orders

The increase in the minimum subsistence level will also affect extra payments for special services to Ukraine:

• 'Deserved' (artists, teachers, doctors, etc.): +58.5 UAH allowance.

• 'People's': +84 UAH allowance.

• Order bearers: for one order, an additional 53 UAH will be paid (almost 597 UAH in total).

Age allowances and '65-year-old guarantees'

In January, automatic allowances continue to apply, depending on the age of the pensioner:

1. Guarantee for 65-year-olds: pensioners who do not work (35 years of experience for men / 30 years for women) must receive at least 40% of the minimum wage. Since the 'minimum wage' will increase, the minimum payment for this category will rise from 3,200 UAH to 3,458.8 UAH.

2. Age bonuses (regardless of pension amount):

   • 70–74 years: +300 UAH;

   • 75–79 years: +450 UAH;

   • 80+ years: +570 UAH.

The planned changes in pension provision, including 'small indexing,' are intended to improve the financial situation of millions of Ukrainians. However, new requirements for pension experience may complicate retirement for many. Therefore, it is important to plan one's work activity in advance and pay special attention to accumulating an insurance pension.