Pensioners face new checks at home

Ukraine is planning significant changes to the pension system, including expanded controls and new checks that may affect large groups of the population. This applies not only to data verification, but also to the possible cancellation of some of the additional payments for certain categories.

Special attention will be paid to the so-called “privileged” groups, in particular, residents of the zones affected by the Chernobyl disaster. These individuals will have to undergo additional checks. New control commissions will receive expanded powers, their task will be to check not only documents, but also the actual place of residence of individuals. If a person is not in the zone for which he receives additional payments, such payments may be canceled.

In addition, individuals who receive “mountain” allowances will also be subject to checks. New control mechanisms are being developed for them that will allow them to determine whether they actually live in the relevant regions. The verification process has already begun.

Special attention will also be paid to pensioners living abroad and in temporarily occupied territories. For this category, it is planned to create a special unit in the Pension Fund of Ukraine system, which will be engaged in verification and calculation of payments. Video identification will remain an important stage, and even those who have already passed it before will have to pass it again.

Additionally, some Ukrainians may receive home visits. The checks will concern those who receive subsidies, since the commissions will assess the financial situation of families. At the same time, sociological surveys will be conducted, participation in which will be voluntary.

Experts note that the main goal of such measures is to reduce government spending and combat fraud. For many pensioners, this may mean additional burden, bureaucratic procedures and the risk of losing part of their income.