Chernobyl Victims Given Simplified Process to Confirm Eligibility for Pension Supplement: How It Works

Ukrainians who were affected by the Chernobyl disaster have had the process simplified for confirming the right to the monthly pension supplement in the amount of 2 595 hryvnias. The new mechanism helps establish whether a person resided in a radioactively contaminated area during 1986–1992 years if there are no preserved documents about it.

As writes Dilo, this was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.

For this purpose, in 2026 year, eight regions established special commissions. They determine the place and periods of citizens’ residence, and the relevant information is entered into state registers. The mechanism also covers cases where the locality was later liquidated. In September the government extended its validity until 31 of December 2026.

Who receives the supplement

As of October 2026, the supplement in the amount of 2 595 hryvnias was received by about 106 thousand non-working pensioners.

They may apply if they have the status of disaster-affected by the Chernobyl disaster and permanently reside in areas of unconditional (mandatory) and guaranteed voluntary resettlement and meet other requirements of the legislation.

What will change during the pension reform

The Ministry of Social Policy proposes to establish unified rules for appointment and payment of state social benefits, including for those affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Currently the ministry is assessing the financial implications of these changes.

At the same time, the department states that people who already have rights to privileges and compensations will continue to use them after the legislative changes.

Also, reviewing the levels of radioactive contamination of settlements will not automatically cancel the status of disaster-affected or terminate previously awarded compensations. According to Minister Denys Ulutsyn, the results of dosimetric passportization by themselves are not grounds for such decisions.

In addition to the monthly supplement, affected individuals have the right to other kinds of social support, in particular special conditions for calculating pensions for disability related to the Chernobyl disaster, and early retirement.

As a reminder, the budget for 2027 year proposes setting the minimum wage at 12 000 hryvnias, and the minimum old-age pension is planned to be increased to 6 500 hryvnias. The budget also prescribes full monthly payment of pensions awarded or reassigned to implement court decisions.