How the discussion began
In parliament discussion has resumed about updating social standards for 2027. Member of Parliament, chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, Danylo Hetmantsev, in Telegram reported on the proposals that are to form the basis of the draft state budget.
Among the key figures appearing in the calculations are a minimum wage of 12 000 UAH, a minimum old-age pension of 6 500 UAH and an indicative subsistence minimum of 7 200 UAH. The initiatives are accompanied by comments about the need to gradually bring social payments closer to households’ actual expenses.
What was proposed to include in the budget and how it has changed
In the draft budget for 2027 it is proposed to specify indicators for different population categories. The subsistence minimum for able-bodied persons is planned to be set at 7 488 UAH, and for people who have lost working capacity at 5 832 UAH.
Separately it is proposed to raise the minimum old-age pension to 6 500 UAH and guarantee full monthly payment of pensions assigned or recalculated in accordance with court decisions. The approach to assistance for low-income families is also being changed. The level of coverage of the subsistence minimum for awarding such assistance is planned to be set at 100% for able-bodied persons and 150% for children, people who have lost working capacity, and people with disabilities.
At present it is proposed to direct an additional resource in the 2027 budget of 225 billion UAH to social protection, education, healthcare, economic support and the state’s reserve. Of these, 140 billion UAH are intended for social protection.
At the same time, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans’ Rights recommended raising the minimum wage to 12 000 UAH from 1 January 2027 and almost tripling the subsistence minimum compared with the figures set out in the draft 2027 budget.
Where we are now and what this means for you
So far these are proposals and draft calculations that still need to go through the approval procedures in the Verkhovna Rada and be reflected in the final text of the budget. For the average person the changes could mean higher minimum incomes and altered thresholds for receiving assistance, but this depends on whether the proposed figures are finally approved.
The effective date of the proposed changes is 1 January 2027 for the increase of the minimum wage to 12 000 UAH and for the other indicators the committee proposes to set from that day. The date is highlighted separately so readers do not miss this important calendar milestone.
What to do right now. First, follow the progress of the state budget in the Verkhovna Rada and official communications from the Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy. Second, after adoption check the calculation of pensions and social payments according to the new indicators to ensure you have been paid correctly.
Typical situations to bear in mind. If you are a pensioner, an increase in the minimum pension to 6 500 UAH could change the minimum amount you receive. If you are a family with children, changes to the subsistence minimum thresholds and the 150% coverage level for children may affect entitlement to assistance.
Brief explanations of bureaucratic terms
A declaration is an official document in which the payer states income and other information. A tax agent is a person or organisation that withholds taxes from payments to employees or recipients. Total income is the aggregate amount of a family’s or individual’s income over a certain period that is taken into account when awarding assistance. Insurance record (insured service) refers to periods of employment and other activity that grant entitlement to social payments and affect the size of a pension.
These explanations will help you better understand the conditions of the changes and, if necessary, prepare documents to check payments once decisions are adopted. Follow official channels and contact the bodies that pay pensions and benefits to clarify details related to your specific situation.
Read more about the committee’s views and preliminary assessments in materials on Finance.ua, among others.
