Chernobyl Survivors to Receive Higher Pensions in 2026: New Payouts by Disability Group.

Pension Increases Set for Spring 2026

According to Novyny.live: The Pension Fund of Ukraine will raise payments for certain groups of citizens in the spring of 2026, including those affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. For some disability categories, minimum pensions will increase by over 1,000 hryvnias. At the same time, new caps on maximum pension amounts will be introduced.

Changes to Pension Benefits

Under the updated rules, pensions for Chernobyl victims will be multiplied by a factor of 1.121. This adjustment also applies to minimum pension levels across disability groups. Specifically, the minimum pension for Group I disability will reach 11,048 hryvnias—an increase of roughly 1,190 hryvnias. For Group II disability, the minimum will be 8,838 hryvnias, up by 950 hryvnias. For Group III disability and children with disabilities, the minimum pension will climb to 6,813 hryvnias, more than 735 hryvnias higher than before.

The average salary used in the pension calculation formula now exceeds 9,990 hryvnias. Meanwhile, in 2026, the maximum pension subject to government limits will be 25,950 hryvnias. These measures aim to improve the financial situation of pension recipients, particularly vulnerable populations.

These changes in pension provision mark an important step toward social support for people who endured the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, as well as other vulnerable groups.

The pension increase is part of a broader state policy to enhance living conditions for retirees, especially amid rising prices for goods and services. While these adjustments could positively impact the well-being of this demographic, their success will depend on the country’s fiscal stability.