As of January 1, 2026, new minimum living wage amounts have come into effect in Ukraine, impacting the calculation of various social payments for citizens of different categories. The changes were approved by the Law of Ukraine “On the State Budget for 2026” and pertain to pensions, child benefits, alimony, as well as payments for military personnel and individuals with disabilities.
This is reported by Finway
New Minimum Living Wage Amounts for 2026
The minimum living wage for one person per month this year is set at 3209 UAH. The following amounts have been established for different social and demographic groups:
- children under 6 years – 2817 UAH;
- children aged 6 to 18 years – 3512 UAH;
- working-age individuals – 3328 UAH;
- persons who have lost their ability to work – 2595 UAH.
For individuals who have lost their ability to work and reside in areas of radioactive contamination, the minimum living wage for calculating additional payments is set at 1600 UAH. For civil servants, judges, prosecutors, and employees of tax and customs authorities, the basic salary level is defined at the rate that was in effect at the end of 2025.
Payments: Alimony, Assistance for Single Parents, and Pensions
In 2026, alimony amounts have increased in accordance with the rise in the minimum living wage. According to the Family Code of Ukraine, the minimum guaranteed amount of alimony for a child is 50% of the minimum living wage for the corresponding age category:
- children under 6 years – 1408.50 UAH;
- children aged 6 to 18 years – 1756 UAH.
The specified amounts are mandatory regardless of the income of the alimony payer.
Assistance for single mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents is provided in the amount of the difference between the minimum living wage for the child of the corresponding age and the average monthly total income of the family. The maximum amounts of assistance in 2026 are:
- child under 6 years – 2817 UAH;
- child aged 6 to 18 years – 3512 UAH;
- child aged 18 to 23 years (provided they are studying) – 2595 UAH.
Temporary assistance for children whose parents evade alimony payments is determined as the difference between 100% of the minimum living wage for the child and the average monthly income of the family, but not less than 50% of the minimum living wage. In 2026, the guaranteed amounts are 1408.50 UAH for children under 6 years and 1756.00 UAH for children aged 6 to 18 years.
The minimum pension for disability is calculated according to the minimum living wage for persons who have lost their ability to work (2595 UAH in 2026). The main payment amounts are:
- Group I – 2595 UAH;
- Group II – 2076 UAH (80% of the minimum living wage);
- Group III – 1557 UAH (60% of the minimum living wage);
- minor children with disabilities – 1816.50 UAH (70% of the minimum living wage).
In addition to the main assistance, there are allowances for care, which also depend on the minimum living wage. Additionally, combatants (UBD), individuals with war-related disabilities, and family members of deceased military personnel are entitled to corresponding additional payments.
For combatants, the allowance in 2026 is 649 UAH (25% of the minimum living wage for non-working individuals).
“To apply for the additional payment, it is necessary to contact the Pension Fund with the appropriate application and documents”.
The minimum military pension in 2026 for combatants is calculated as no less than 210% of the minimum living wage for non-working individuals. It is projected that this amount will be around 5449.50 UAH, and with possible indexing, it may rise to 5800–6000 UAH. In addition to the minimum payment, each combatant is credited with an individual allowance, which will increase from 590.25 UAH to 648.75 UAH in 2026.