Pensioners have two weeks left for identification: How to avoid a disruption in payments.

According to ТСН: There are only two weeks left until the end of the annual physical identification for certain categories of Ukrainian pensioners. This procedure is mandatory, and failure to complete it by December 31 can lead to a temporary suspension of pension payments starting January 1.

This is reported by the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

Who must identify themselves?

All pensioners who receive a pension in any form and belong to one of the following categories must identify themselves:

• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently living in a territory controlled by Ukraine.

• Persons living in temporarily occupied areas.

• Persons who are temporarily living abroad.

• Persons who have emigrated from occupied regions.

How to identify remotely?

For those who cannot appear in person, the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) offers several convenient options for remote identification:

1. Video identification. This is done via a video conference with a PFU employee. To schedule an appointment, you need to contact the PFU through the electronic services portal or contact center. During the session, an identification document must be shown.

2. Through “Diia.Signature” (Diia ID). The procedure is available in the personal account on the PFU portal with a qualified electronic signature (QES).

3. For those who are abroad. You can contact a Ukrainian Diplomatic Representation to obtain the relevant confirmation document. This document, along with the application for the continuation of pension payments, must be sent by registered mail to the territorial PFU authority or submitted online by uploading a quality copy and signing the application with QES.

What happens if the deadline is missed?

If a pensioner who is required to identify does not do so by December 31, the PFU has the right to temporarily suspend payments. The pension can be restored after actual identification. According to Article 49 of Law No. 1058, the pensioner, upon restoration of payments, will receive not only the current payments but also all arrears for the suspension period.

We remind you that the Verkhovna Rada has adopted the state budget for 2026, and Ukrainian pensioners will receive different payment amounts.

In Ukraine, the payments of assistance under the program “Winter Aid,” which provides a one-time monetary assistance of 1000 Hryvnias for all Ukrainians, including children, are ongoing. The program started on November 15.

The key change this year is the updated and expanded list of areas where this assistance may be distributed.

The reminder about the mandatory identification of pensioners is an important step in ensuring the continuity of payments. Ukrainian pensioners should take advantage of the available identification options to avoid a disruption in financial support. The changes in the state budget and assistance programs also testify to the state’s efforts to support citizens in difficult times.