In 2026 the government introduced a simplified mechanism for confirming places and periods of residence for citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster to ease access to the monthly pension supplement of 2 595 hryvnia, the the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine reports.
Mechanism for confirming place of residence and its scope
The mechanism is intended for those who cannot documentably confirm residence in radioactively contaminated territories in 1986–1992. In 2026 commissions were set up in eight regions that establish the necessary information for entry into state registers.
The mechanism also covers cases of residence in settlements that were later liquidated. In September its period of effect was extended until 31 December 2026.
Who is entitled to the supplement and how much they receive
The issue concerns citizens who, due to lack of the appropriate information, cannot exercise the right to the monthly pension supplement of 2 595 hryvnia. As of October 2026 approximately 106 thousand non-working pensioners were receiving this supplement.
The right to the supplement belongs to citizens with the status of victims of the Chernobyl disaster who permanently reside in zones of unconditional (mandatory) and guaranteed voluntary resettlement and meet other conditions defined by law. Regional authorised commissions are empowered to resolve disputes and establish the necessary information.
Proposals for pension reform and preserving rights
The Ministry of Social Policy has prepared proposals for a draft law on pension reform that envisage forming a unified system of state social supplements and establishing common approaches to their assignment and payment, including for those affected by Chernobyl. Long-term financial and economic calculations of the consequences of the proposed changes are currently underway.
One of the key principles of the forthcoming reform is the preservation of already acquired social rights. Citizens who obtained the relevant status and the right to benefits or compensations before the changes come into force will continue to enjoy them in the manner prescribed by law.
