Over 5,600 hryvnias monthly: who can receive special pension in Ukraine

The pension issue in Ukraine is one of the most sensitive. Every time payments are discussed, people have a million questions: who gets what, how much, and on what basis. And so the Pension Fund of Ukraine decided to clarify one such issue. It turns out there is a category of citizens who can claim a separate pension for special services to the state. And the amount, it must be said, is quite substantial.

For international observers and Ukrainian expatriates, this news highlights the ongoing efforts to support those who contributed to the country’s independence. It also underscores the broader challenges of Ukraine’s pension system.

According to RBC-Ukraine citing the Pension Fund, the pension in question is awarded under Ukrainian Law No. 1767-III. It is received, in particular, by those who fought for Ukraine’s independence in the 20th century. This is not a supplement to a regular pension, but a separate full-fledged payment with its own specific rules for awarding.

How much and who gets it

As of March 1, 2026, the amount of this pension is 5,667 hryvnias 51 kopiykas (approximately $127 USD*). This is a considerable sum by current standards. And importantly, it is not fixed — the payment is reviewed annually based on an increase coefficient. So it may well grow even larger in the future.

Who exactly is eligible for such payments? The law defines a fairly specific group of people. These are those who, in the 20th century, fought for Ukraine’s independence. This refers to specific historical periods and specific individuals whose services to the state have been officially recognized. A full list of eligible categories can be found in the law itself or at Pension Fund offices.

Other payments worth mentioning

Pension supplements are not limited to “independence fighters.” The same RBC-Ukraine article also mentions other recipient categories.

• Age supplements. Pensioners aged 70 to 80 receive automatic compensatory payments. The largest — 570 hryvnias per month (approximately $13 USD*) — go to those over 80. And no applications are needed — everything is calculated automatically.
• Early retirement. Certain categories of citizens can retire as early as age 50. This applies, for example, to miners. Men need at least 25 years of total experience, women 20, with mandatory underground work experience.

What this means

The pension situation in Ukraine has always been and remains complex. On one hand, the state tries to support those with special services to the country. On the other, ordinary pensioners often complain that their payments barely cover basic needs.

5,667 hryvnias (approximately $127 USD*) — an amount several times higher than the average pension in the country (as of early 2026, the average pension is just over 4,000 hryvnias, or about $90 USD*). But it’s important to understand: this payment is not for everyone. It is targeted support for people whose past activities have been recognized as especially valuable for Ukrainian statehood.

It’s also worth noting that Ukraine’s pension system is constantly being reformed. What we know today may change tomorrow. So if you or your loved ones fall into one of the above categories — it’s best to check all the details directly with the Pension Fund. And don’t forget to check whether you qualify for the age supplement — many people don’t even know about it.

In any case, any additional payment for pensioners now is not just money. It is recognition that the state remembers its citizens and their contributions. Even if the amount doesn’t always seem sufficient, the fact itself matters more than it seems.

* Note: All amounts in US dollars are approximate, based on the exchange rate as of September 3, 2026: 1 USD ≈ 44.6093 UAH. Exchange rates are for informational purposes only and should not be used for making financial decisions. Current exchange rates can be checked on the currency converter.