Ukraine extends reduced payment rules for high special pensions through 2026

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has extended until 2026 the application of reduction coefficients to so-called special pensions that exceed ten subsistence minimums for persons who have lost the ability to work.

The decision is set out in Cabinet Resolution No. 1778 dated December 30. The resolution establishes a special payment procedure for certain categories of pensioners, including civil servants, prosecutors, members of parliament, diplomats, scientists and others.

Under the rules, reduction coefficients apply to the portion of a pension exceeding ten subsistence minimums, as follows:

– 0.5 for the amount between 10 and 11 subsistence minimums;
– 0.4 for the amount between 11 and 13 subsistence minimums;
– 0.3 for the amount between 13 and 17 subsistence minimums;
– 0.2 for the amount between 17 and 21 subsistence minimums;
– 0.1 for the amount exceeding 21 subsistence minimums.

As a result, the first UAH 25,950 is paid in full, while any amount above this threshold is paid only in part.

For example, a recipient entitled to a special pension equal to 25 subsistence minimums would receive UAH 35,551 in 2025 after the application of reduction coefficients, instead of UAH 64,875 — a reduction of about 45%.

The restrictions do not apply to participants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) or the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), individuals who took part in the defence of Ukraine against Russian aggression, or to pensions paid to family members of fallen defenders.

• As of October 1, 2025, Ukraine had 10.2 million pensioners, with the average monthly pension amounting to UAH 6,437.