Ukraine is reforming the special pension system for military personnel

Ukraine is planning a large-scale reform of the special pension system to equalize the rights of career military personnel and those mobilized, as well as to ensure fairness for all defenders. The new model involves a transition from special pensions to professional funded pensions, which will be financed through additional employer contributions rather than the state budget. 

This was announced by Denys Ulyutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, according to ArmyInform.

The reform is intended to prepare the system for an increase in the number of military pensions following demobilization and to eliminate inequality between career military personnel and mobilized personnel who have served on the front lines for two or three years but do not have the required 25 years of service for a military pension. Unlike the current system, where special conditions are lost in the absence of full service, the professional model will allow for the preservation of accumulated benefits after the first year of contributions, regardless of subsequent changes in field of service. The Ministry of Social Policy proposes that even one year of service should entitle a person to a professional pension, and for combatants, a separate increased state allowance is being considered for combat experience.

For current pensioners, existing benefits will be fully preserved, while for those currently serving, a gradual transition period of approximately 12–13 years is planned. Years of service prior to the reform’s start will be calculated under the old rules, and after its start—under the new ones; however, citizens with more than 13 years of service will retire under the old rules. The draft law is currently being finalized, the government is completing financial calculations, and the reform is scheduled to launch this year.

In June 2026, there will be no new general pension increase in Ukraine, as indexation was already carried out in the spring. At the same time, some pensioners will still receive more money—due to age-based supplements and automatic recalculations. The changes will be targeted but noticeable for many.

The Pension Fund of Ukraine in Poltava Oblast has filed a lawsuit seeking to recover 297,000 UAH in overpaid pension benefits from Lesya Martalishvili, the deputy mayor of Poltava.