Pensions and salaries have been updated in Ukraine: what has changed in payments

In Ukraine, social standards have been significantly increased since the beginning of 2026.

The changes affected indicators such as the minimum wage, pensions, and the subsistence minimum, thereby affecting the incomes of many citizens. This is reflected in the State Budget of Ukraine for 2026.

From January 1, the minimum wage increased from 8,000 to 8,647 hryvnias, and the minimum pension from 2,361 to 2,595 hryvnias.

The government also updated the size of the subsistence minimum, which in 2026 increased from 2,920 to 3,209 hryvnias.

Some new indicators are given:

for non-disabled persons – from 3,028 to 3,328 hryvnias;

for older people – from 2,361 to 2,595 hryvnias;

for children under 6 years old – from 2,563 to 2,817 hryvnias;
for children aged 6 to 18 – from 3196 to 3512 UAH.
Despite the increase, the minimum wage still does not correspond to the actual subsistence minimum, which, according to estimates for September, exceeds 10 thousand UAH. This is the amount necessary to cover basic expenses for goods and services.

Salaries in the field of education

It is especially worth noting that educators’ salaries will increase by 30% from January 1, 2026, and another 20% from September 1. The weekly workload per teacher will remain at 18 hours. Teachers’ salaries also increased by 30% at the beginning of the year.

In 2026, the average salary may increase from 26 to approximately 30 thousand UAH. Economists believe that the optimal level of the minimum wage should be at least 50% of the average salary and not lower than the actual subsistence minimum.

Changes in pension payments

In 2026, pension payments were increased for several categories of pensioners. This applies to both persons with minimum and maximum pensions, as well as those whose additional costs depend on the subsistence minimum. Payments for pensioners whose pension is tied to the minimum wage have also increased.

Earlier, it was reported about a new cash benefit for Ukrainians and changes to the rules for accruing sick leave. Updates to social payments also apply to low-income segments of the population in 2026.