Over the last decade, there has been a significant reduction in the number of pensioners in Ukraine. In 2015, pension payments were received by 12 million 147 thousand citizens, but by April 2025, this figure had decreased to 10 million 331 thousand. The loss of over 1.8 million pensioners over ten years is linked to a number of factors, including the prolonged war, the occupation of part of the territories, and the challenging situation in the healthcare sector.
This is reported by Finway
Pension Demographics and Gender Distribution
Unlike most European countries, where the number of pensioners and their share of the population are increasing, Ukraine is experiencing the opposite trend. Notably, in 2024, there were 436 thousand new pensioners, which almost corresponds to the number of individuals who received pensions in 2015 (435.9 thousand). Thus, the number of newly appointed pensions remained nearly unchanged, yet the overall number of pensioners continued to decline.
Among Ukrainian pensioners, women dominate — out of ten individuals, six belong to this category. However, it is important to consider that a significant number of men retire early as military personnel, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and workers in hazardous industries. This is why, among the elderly population, for example, in the group of 70-year-olds, there are many more women than men.
Critical Ratio of Pensioners to Workers
The financing of the pension system in Ukraine is carried out through a single social contribution paid by working citizens. According to government calculations, the optimal ratio is considered to be one where there are 15 working individuals for every 10 pensioners. Such a ratio would allow for balancing the budget of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and ensuring a significant increase in pension payments.
The government notes that the “ideal” ratio is one where 10 pensioners are supported by 15 workers – this would allow for balancing the budget of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and ensuring a significant increase in pensions.”
However, as of today, there are only 10.6 million working Ukrainians for 10.3 million pensioners, meaning the actual ratio is one to one. Experts consider this situation critical for the sustainability of the country’s pension system.