The Minimum Subsistence Level and Pensions - What Will Happen to the Amounts in August.

The minimum subsistence level is an important indicator that determines the threshold after which poverty begins. This is the amount of money that is supposedly enough for basic necessities, food, and services. In 2025, Ukraine decided not to revise the minimum subsistence level. At the same Time, minimum pensions have been increased, but even after that, the amounts are not very high.

The editorial team of Novyny.LIVE explains what the minimum pensions and subsistence level will be in August.

What Will the Minimum Subsistence Level Be in August and Why This Indicator Does Not Reflect Reality

In 2025, the minimum subsistence level in Ukraine is 2,920 hryvnias (approximately 60 euros). This is the amount that the state considers sufficient to cover basic needs: food, clothing, housing, and utilities.

According to the head of the parliamentary committee on finance, tax, and customs policy

Danil Hetmantsev

, even the real minimum subsistence level, which is 3 times higher than the official one, is calculated based on outdated norms. For example:

• for a child, only 2 jackets are provided for 3 years;
• for a woman, the norm is considered to be 2 dresses for 7 years.

'Well, we understand that it does not reflect reality. And this is some kind of cosmos that can only exist in the imagination of an official,' the deputy emphasizes.

Hetmantsev acknowledges that there are currently no funds in the budget for a significant increase in the minimum subsistence level. However, he is convinced that without a change in approaches, money will continue to be directed not to the essentials but to secondary programs.

What Amounts Should Ukrainians with Minimum Pensions Expect in August

According to the Pension Fund, starting from March 1, the size of the minimum pensions for certain categories of citizens in Ukraine has changed. Pensioners have started to receive additional payments according to the new government decree No. 209. In August, the minimum payments will be as follows:

1. Pensioners aged 65 and older who do not work and have a full service record (women - 30 years, men - 35): 3,758 UAH (+388 UAH).
2. People up to 70 years old with the required service record (30/35 years), as well as pensioners with a disability of the first group - regardless of age and service record: 3,323 UAH (+343 UAH).
3. Citizens aged 70 to 80 with the appropriate service record (30/35 years or 20/25 years): the pension will be 3,613 UAH (+373 UAH).
4. Individuals aged 80 and older with 20/25 years of service: 3,758 UAH (+388 UAH).
5. All pensioners who do not work and receive a minimum pension: increased from 2,725 to 3,038 UAH. For those working - 2,361 UAH.

As we can see, the minimum amounts depend not only on age but also on the duration of work experience and the fact of employment. These factors influence the size of the pension supplement.

Earlier, we wrote that to receive a pension, Ukrainians must have the required age and experience. Some do not meet these criteria, but can still rely on state assistance.

We also mentioned that the minimum subsistence level is the monetary equivalent of a consumption basket that covers basic needs. Therefore, it would be interesting for many to compare how the average pension in Ukraine and Europe relates to this indicator.

Information on the size of the minimum subsistence level in Ukraine for 2025 and the increase in minimum pensions for various categories of citizens is provided. It is noted that the minimum subsistence level is far from the real needs of citizens, as it is calculated based on outdated norms, and the government does not allocate enough funds for its significant increase. It is also revealed what amounts Ukrainians receiving minimum pensions can expect in August, depending on age, service, and other criteria. This information allows for a better understanding of the pension system in Ukraine and reflects the problems associated with the size of social payments.