Pension indexation in Ukraine: when and by how much pension payments may be increased

Ukraine is preparing for a new pension indexation — as early as 2026, pensioners may receive a significant increase in payments. Despite limited budget resources, the government promises to increase both basic and minimum pensions, with the main indexation traditionally taking place in the spring. Find out by how much payments may increase and who exactly will receive the supplement

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In 2026, Ukrainian pensioners are expected to receive another recalculation of their payments. According to preliminary forecasts, the March indexation will be about 15.4%, but the minimum pension will increase by only 9.9%. This will be the first significant increase in the minimum payment in several years. This is reported by UNIAN and OBOZ.UA.

Planned changes to the budget

The draft state budget for 2026 allocates UAH 251.3 billion to the Pension Fund, which is UAH 14.3 billion more than a year earlier. The funds will be used to:

▪️ increase the minimum and maximum pensions;

▪️ increase the allowance for length of service;

▪️ conducting March indexation;

▪️ maintaining restrictions on payments exceeding 10 subsistence minimums.

According to the forecast, the minimum pension in 2026 will increase from 2,361 to 2,595 hryvnias, and the maximum pension will increase to 25,950 hryvnias.

How indexation is calculated

March indexation is an annual recalculation of pensions using a special formula. Its size depends on the average three-year growth in wages and inflation. Usually, the state takes 50% of this amount. If inflation is around 9.6% and wage growth rates remain unchanged, the expected pension increase coefficient could reach 15.4%.

However, the increase does not apply to the entire pension amount. Only the base part, calculated according to the formula, is subject to indexation, without taking into account allowances and surcharges. For example, if the pension is 6,300 UAH, but 300 UAH of this is an age supplement, then only 6,000 UAH will be recalculated. In this case, a 15.4% increase will result in approximately 6,924 UAH.

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Who will not receive a pension increase?

The increase does not apply to recipients of special pensions — military personnel, judges, prosecutors, Chernobyl accident liquidators and other categories whose payments are regulated by separate laws. Also, indexation is not provided for Ukrainians who have retired in recent years and for some disability groups.

What else do you need to know about the upcoming indexation?

Unlike in 2025, the indexation calculation will not take into account the figures for 2022, a period when wage growth was minimal due to the start of full-scale war. This will allow for a more substantial increase in payments.

However, the government may set a lower percentage, as during martial law, the Cabinet of Ministers has the right to independently determine the level of indexation depending on economic forecasts and the level of inflation.

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