New pension reform starting in 2026: how many years of service are now required.

According to ТСН: As of January 1, 2026, new requirements for insurance experience will be introduced in Ukraine to receive an old-age pension. This marks the beginning of a new stage of pension reform.

People's Deputy Mykhailo Tsymbaliuk noted that to retire at 60, one must have at least 33 years of official insurance experience. If such a service period is lacking, the right to a pension at 63 will be provided with a minimum of 23 years of service.

In the absence of even this minimal experience, a pension can be obtained at 65, having at least 15 years of insurance experience. If this experience is also not present, the person will receive social assistance from the state through the Pension Fund.

“As a rule, most people who reach the age of 60 have at least 33-35 years of service. These are those who worked officially. Indeed, these are challenges for those who did not formalize their place of work, did not receive a salary legally, and did not pay the unified social contribution,” emphasized the deputy.

In Ukraine, old-age pensions are calculated using the formula P = Zp x Kz x Ks, where P is the pension, Zp is the average salary in Ukraine over the last three years, Kz is the personal salary coefficient, and Ks is the service coefficient.

Despite having a significant service period, the pension amount is significantly reduced due to low official salaries. In the pension calculation formula, service and salary are not equivalent; a long service period only partially compensates for low income.

Changes in the pension system will affect numerous Ukrainians, particularly those who lack sufficient insurance experience due to informal employment. Stricter requirements for service may cause concern among parts of the population, as not everyone has the opportunity to retire under the planned conditions. These innovations have resulted from prolonged discussions about improving the social security system in Ukraine.