PFU updates rules from January 1: how to apply for a pension with insufficient length of service
From January 1, 2026, the conditions for retirement in Ukraine are changing. Citizens who have had breaks in their work or worked without official registration may encounter particular difficulties. The Pension Fund of Ukraine warns about this.
In Ukraine, the right to an old-age pension is granted subject to the number of years of insurance experience established by law.
In 2026, the rules for retirement will be clearly divided by age and length of experience, namely:
60 years – with at least 33 years of insurance experience;
63 years – with 23 to 33 years of experience;
65 years – with 15 to 23 years of experience.
It is important to note that only those periods when a person was insured and contributions were regularly paid for him at a level not lower than the minimum will be included in the insurance experience. That is, years of work in the “shadow” or times when enterprises did not pay the single social contribution (SSC) will not be taken into account.
It is important to note that only those periods when a person was insured and contributions were regularly paid for him at a level not lower than the minimum will be included in the insurance experience. That is, years of work in the “shadow” or times when enterprises did not pay the single social contribution (SSC) will not be taken into account.
What to do if you do not have enough experience
Citizens who lack sufficient experience can fill this gap by paying their own contributions. To do this, you must agree to voluntary participation in the system of mandatory state social insurance.
One month of experience will be credited upon payment of a contribution equal to the minimum insurance payment. In 2025, this contribution will be 22% of the minimum wage – this is UAH 1,760 with a “minimum” of UAH 8,000. From the beginning of 2026, these figures will rise due to the minimum wage increase.
Pension Fund employees emphasise that the option to purchase additional service is available only for periods starting from 2004, when a person was not officially employed or was not registered as an entrepreneur. It is impossible to purchase service for years before 2004 – such an opportunity is not provided for by law.
Earlier, it was reported about possible changes in pension provision, including early retirement and utility benefits, as well as a potential increase in the minimum pension to 9,000 hryvnias, which will not apply to all pensioners.
