Reformed MSEC: how to pass the assessment of functioning abroad

The MSEC reform has changed the approach to determining disability. Find out how to pass a functional assessment abroad, what documents are needed, what to do in the absence of interstate agreements, and how to apply remotely

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A new system of disability assessment has been introduced in Ukraine - instead of the MSEC, an assessment of a person's daily functioning is in effect. This procedure is also relevant for citizens who are abroad. In this article, we will tell you in which cases an assessment can be initiated, how to prepare documents and what to consider depending on the country of residence.

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Who is entitled to undergo an assessment abroad?

Ukrainians abroad can undergo an assessment if:

- Have significant or persistent functional impairments that last more than 12 months or may lead to death;

- The deadline for a re-examination previously appointed by the MSEC or an expert team is approaching;

- It is necessary to establish disability for the first time or change its group (for example, to access social benefits, rehabilitation, etc.).

How is the assessment carried out for countries with intergovernmental agreements?

Ukraine has social security agreements with the following countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Czech Republic. If you are in one of them, a simplified procedure for passing a functioning assessment abroad is available to you.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Collection of medical documents - according to the forms provided for by an international agreement (for example, SED).

2. Transfer of documents - through the authorized body of the country of residence to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

3. Translation and consideration of the case - the Assessment Center in Ukraine translates the documents (if necessary), forms an expert team and makes a decision.

4. Result - the decision is transferred to the PFU, and then to the relevant foreign body.

Important! International treaties do not determine the procedure for considering documents in Ukraine - everything is regulated by Ukrainian legislation.

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Authorized bodies of the contracting states

Below are the contact details of the organizations that transfer documents to the Pension Fund of Ukraine:

- Portugal: Instituto da Seguranca Social, I.P. (ISS, IP), Centro Nacional de Pensões, Av. a 5 de Outubro 175, 1069-451 Lisboa, Portugal

- Spain: Direccion Provincial del INSS de Malaga, C/ Huescar, 4, 29007 Malaga, Españ

- Czech Republic: Česká Správa Sociálního Zaběžbení Křížová 25, 225 08 Praha 5, Česká republika

- Slovak Republic: Sociálna poisťovňa (Ústredie), ul. 29 augusta 8, 813 63 Bratislava, Slovenská republika

- Republic of Bulgaria: National Insurance Institute Directorate of International Agreements, bul. Al. Stamboliyski, №62–64, Sofia-1303

- Republic of Poland: Social Insurance Fund, Branch in Rzeszów, Department for the Implementation of International Agreements, Al. Piłsudskiego, 12, 35-075 Rzeszów, Polska

What to do if the country does not have an agreement with Ukraine?

Citizens who are in states without intergovernmental agreements can also undergo an assessment - according to the general procedure:

Step 1 - Prepare medical documents

A sample package of documents includes the following certificates: diagnosis according to ICD-10, description of functional disorders, doctor's conclusions, discharge, examination results, etc.

Step 2 - Translate documents into Ukrainian

The translation must be certified - this can be done at the Ukrainian consulate free of charge (without consular fee).

Step 3 - Submit documents

Two ways: by mail to an address in Ukraine; electronically or in person - to the doctor who issues the referral.

Step 4 - Wait for the decision of the expert team

Form of assessment: in person - if the documents are complete, telemedicine - if clarifications are needed.

What is not accepted for consideration?

The Ministry of Health categorically prohibits accepting documents issued in the territory of the Russian Federation or Belarus - regardless of form or content.

What to do if you encounter difficulties when passing a functional assessment abroad?

In case of difficulties with the preparation or transfer of documents, contact Ukrainian diplomatic institutions. A list of consulates is on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Are MSEC certificates issued earlier valid?

Yes. All certificates issued before the MSEC reform remain valid until the end of their validity period. Re-evaluation is required only for medical or legal reasons.

Despite the reform, Ukrainians abroad retain the right to undergo a functional assessment to confirm or review disability. This can be done both within the framework of interstate agreements and according to the general procedure. It is important to carefully prepare documents, ensure their translation and correctly transfer them to Ukraine. In case of difficulties, you should contact the consulate or consult a lawyer.

Visit Ukraine’s legal team provides consultations on preparing medical documents for the assessment of daily functioning abroad. You will receive general recommendations on how to properly organize the process, what to pay attention to and what documents may be required for submission to Ukrainian institutions.

Contact a specialist to find out the details of the procedure for assessing functioning abroad!

Reminder! Ukrainians who issued passports abroad before April 24 must collect them by June 1, 2025. We have already told you what will happen to the documents after this date and how to obtain them.

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