Retirement problems are becoming increasingly serious: the Rada is discussing the issue of lowering the retirement age

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has reopened the discussion on possible changes to the retirement age, considering two key bills: No. 5566 and its alternative, No. 5566-1. The focus of attention was on initiatives that could either increase or decrease the retirement age for specific categories of citizens.

Although the first of these projects was registered in 2021, it has once again become relevant on the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy. The discussion of these changes has gained significant resonance in society, as their implementation will affect the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

Main provisions of bill No. 5566:

A gradual increase in the retirement age to 61. It is planned to increase the retirement age from 60 to 61, which will occur gradually, by one month annually for 12 years.
A reduction in the retirement age for women raising children. This point is the most controversial: it proposes reducing the retirement age by 6 months for each child raised to 6 years, with a maximum reduction of 3 years.
If the retirement age is raised to 61, a woman with one child will be able to retire at 60.5 years, which is a slight increase from the current 60 years. For two children, the age threshold will remain at 60 years; for three children, it will decrease to 59.5 years. Women raising six or more children can retire as early as 57 years old.

The authors of the bill emphasize the need for reform through supporting demographic changes and reducing the deficit of the Pension Fund, believing that such steps can increase the birth rate and stabilize the pension system.

However, the position of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is becoming a significant obstacle to the implementation of these initiatives. The memorandum with the IMF states that Ukraine should not introduce new pension benefits, including lowering the retirement age. This means that even if the law is adopted, it may conflict with Ukraine’s obligations to the IMF.

Thus, the issue of changing the retirement age remains open and continues to cause discussion in society and among experts. Whether the pension system remains unchanged or undergoes reforms, time will tell.