In 2025, a number of Ukrainians are entitled to a pension increase — the amount of supplements can range from 500 to 24,000 UAH per month. Recipients of additional payments include Heroes of Ukraine, war veterans, outstanding athletes, astronauts, as well as mothers who have raised five or more children.
This is reported by Finway
Which Categories of Citizens Are Entitled to a Pension Increase
According to the updated law “On Pensions for Special Merits to Ukraine,” the state has revised its approach to recognizing the merits of citizens and completely excluded Soviet awards from the list of grounds for supplements. Now the right to a pension increase is granted to:
- Heroes of Ukraine;
- individuals who hold the title of “people’s” or “honorary,” awarded after 1991;
- outstanding athletes — winners of the Olympic and Paralympic Games;
- astronauts;
- mothers who have raised at least five children (in the event of her death, the right passes to the father).
The amount of the supplement is 23-40% of the minimum subsistence level, which currently ranges from 543 to 944 UAH per month.
Decommunization and New Categories of Recipients
The law also provides for the decommunization of the pension system: Soviet orders and medals are no longer considered when assigning supplements. Those pensioners who did not apply for a supplement based on Soviet awards can no longer claim these payments.
A new category has emerged — fighters for Ukraine’s independence in the 20th century, including those who were repressed and rehabilitated. For them, a fixed monthly supplement of 4,200 UAH is provided, which is subject to annual indexing. By March 2025, this amount will increase to 5,055.77 UAH.
At the same time, members of the Ukrainian parliament and local council deputies from four convocations, who previously could claim an increase, have been excluded from the list. As noted by pension expert Serhiy Korobkin, the state is currently directing assistance to more vulnerable categories of citizens who need social support.
“It is important not to confuse pensions for special merits to Ukraine with supplements for special merits to the Motherland, which pertain to war veterans.”
For the former, the supplement ranges from 500 to 4,000 UAH, while for the latter — up to 70% of the minimum subsistence level, which is 1,652 UAH in 2025.
Following the onset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, a separate law on rewards for special merits to the Motherland was adopted, which covers combat participants. Heroes of Ukraine, as well as those awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, “For Courage,” or Princess Olga, can receive a supplement ranging from one to three minimum wages — that is, up to 24,000 UAH per month.
Payments are calculated regardless of pension age as a state recognition of special merits. They are additional to the main pension and do not affect its amount.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for the Supplement
To receive the supplement, one should contact the Pension Fund of Ukraine at their place of residence. It is necessary to submit:
- passport and identification code;
- document confirming the title or award;
- application for the establishment of the supplement.
Thus, the updated legislation is aimed at supporting modern heroes, athletes, large families, and fighters for independence, enhancing social justice in pension provision.