Six pensions at once: who can get them and how to apply

Many people are leaving Ukraine because of Russia's armed aggression. Among them are many people who receive pension payments.

This year, the Government has simplified the procedure for receiving pensions and insurance payments for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Ukrainians abroad and those living in the temporarily occupied territories. According to the State Pension Fund (Pension Fund), Ukrainians abroad and in the temporarily occupied territories will be able to receive pensions and insurance payments under the same rules as citizens living in the government-controlled territory of Ukraine. Previously, citizens who had received an IDP certificate before February 24, 2022, and those who had moved abroad after that date or resided in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) had a separate algorithm for receiving pension payments. This made it difficult for them to receive funds.

Who can receive six pension payments at once

In accordance with Article 51 of the Law of Ukraine "On Compulsory State Pension Insurance", if a pensioner moves abroad for permanent residence, the pension granted in Ukraine is paid six months in advance of the departure at the pensioner's request, starting from the month following the month of deregistration at the place of permanent residence. Thus, pensioners who plan to leave Ukraine for permanent residence abroad can apply for payments six months in advance. After all, citizens can receive a Ukrainian pension only if they actually reside within the country, unless otherwise provided by international treaties of our state. Payments are credited to bank cards or to Ukrposhta offices.

How to apply for a pension in advance

An application for a pension payment six months in advance in connection with leaving for permanent residence abroad is submitted by the applicant at any service center of the Pension Fund, regardless of the actual place of residence.

Citizens planning to move abroad must provide the following documents

• application (of the established form);
• a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad with a corresponding record of departure for permanent residence abroad, or a passport document of a foreigner, or a document certifying a stateless person (clause 2.25 of the Procedure for submission and execution of documents for the appointment (recalculation) of pensions in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Compulsory State Pension Insurance", approved by the Resolution of the Pension Fund of Ukraine dated 25.11.2005 No. 22-1 (as amended);
• a certificate of deregistration of residence in Ukraine.

The six-month pension payment is transferred to the recipient's bank account in the same way as regular monthly transfers within the country. Thus, the funds are paid by the Pension Fund of Ukraine to the recipient's current account in an authorized bank.

The payment is calculated from the month following the month of deregistration at the place of permanent residence. The amount depends on the amount of the pension.

How pension payments will change in 2026

Pensions are scheduled to be indexed next year.

• The minimum pension in Ukraine is tied to the subsistence level, which will increase to UAH 3,209 in 2026.
• The subsistence minimum for able-bodied individuals will be UAH 3,328, and for those who have lost their ability to work it will be UAH 2,595.
• Due to the planned indexation, pensions of many Ukrainians will increase in 2026.

Earlier, Intent reported that since September 2025, Ukraine has introduced new rules for pensioners and social welfare recipients living abroad or in the temporarily occupied territories. In order to continue receiving such payments, you must undergo physical identification and confirm that you are the recipient of a pension, the Pension Fund reminded.

Володимир Шкаєв