Kateryna Kotenkova on pension indexation from March 1: “A moderate increase is expected in 2026”

The journalist shared information about the planned pension indexation, which is scheduled to take effect on March 1. The amount of the increase will depend on a special coefficient that takes into account 50% of the inflation rate for the previous year and 50% of the average wage growth for the last three years. This formula is designed to provide a fair approach to pensions; however, during wartime, the government may reduce the specified coefficient. In a similar situation, there have already been cases, as in 2025, when pensions were indexed by only 11.5% instead of possibly higher rates. A cautious increase is expected in 2026, so one should hardly count on a significant 19-20%.

As of January 1 of this year, the minimum pension will increase from UAH 2,361 to UAH 2,595, representing a UAH 234 increase. However, given the actual prices, this increase appears symbolic, as inflation may outweigh its effect.

It is also worth remembering that indexation will only apply to regular pensions. There are also special categories, such as military pensioners, judges, former prosecutors, and victims of the Chernobyl accident, for whom automatic increases are not provided. They can receive increases only by separate decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers. In addition, working pensioners do not receive automatic indexation. They are recalculated at the corresponding amount only once every two years, and this may even result in a downward adjustment.

Thus, the situation with pension payments remains quite complicated, and pensioners should be prepared for different scenarios.