Disability Group 3 in Ukraine in 2026: benefits, payments and guarantees
Our in-depth article on social support in 2026 outlines the main benefits available to people with a Group III disability. These provisions are also confirmed by the Law ‘On the Fundamentals of Social Protection for Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine’ and data from the Ministry of Health regarding the new system for assessing daily functioning.
Disability Group 3 is assigned to people who have persistent health impairments but retain the ability to look after themselves and work under certain conditions.
From 1 January 2025, a system for assessing a person’s daily functioning will replace the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health explains that the new system is intended to determine not only a person’s medical condition but also how their health impairment affects their daily life.
The scope of benefits for people in Group III is narrower than for Groups I or II, but it includes payments, employment guarantees, access to rehabilitation and medical support, seasonal transport discounts and certain social support measures.
What benefits are provided for Group III
The disability pension for people in Group III is 50% of the old-age pension, calculated based on insurance contributions and official earnings.
If a person is not entitled to a pension, they may be awarded state social assistance. For people with a Group III disability from childhood, the source material specifies an amount of 60% of the subsistence minimum for persons unable to work – approximately 1,557 UAH in 2026.
In 2026, the document specifies the subsistence minimum for people unable to work at 2,595 UAH. Certain social benefits are linked to this figure.
Working people with Group III disability can receive a pension without any reduction. In certain cases, they may also be eligible for a tax-related social allowance on their salary, and for sole traders, specific conditions regarding the payment of the Unified Social Tax (UST) may apply.
Employment guarantees for people with Group III disability
The employer must take into account the recommendations of the individual rehabilitation programme and create suitable working conditions, provided the person meets the job requirements.
The following guarantees apply to employees with a Group III disability:
– annual basic leave, extended by 2 calendar days;
– the option to take up to 30 days of unpaid leave per year;
– additional paid leave of 14 days each year;
– employment without a probationary period;
– protection against discrimination on the grounds of disability;
– the requirement to take into account medical recommendations regarding working conditions.
Such guarantees are necessary to ensure that a person can work without compromising their health and does not lose access to rest, treatment or rehabilitation.
Medical and rehabilitation benefits
People with a Group III disability may be entitled to free or subsidised prescription medicines if their income meets the specified criteria.
The state also provides technical and other rehabilitation aids where medically indicated. These may include prosthetics, orthopaedic footwear, hearing aids, wheelchairs and other aids, provided they are included in an individual rehabilitation programme.
Spa and resort treatment may also be provided free of charge or at a reduced cost, subject to medical grounds and a referral.
Housing can be adapted to the needs of a person with a disability – in particular by installing ramps, handrails or other special devices, if required by individual needs.
Transport concessions
Transport concessions are available for people with disabilities in Ukraine.
The law establishes the right to a 50 per cent discount on the cost of travel on domestic air, rail, river and road transport between 1 October and 15 May.
There is no general provision for completely free travel on public transport for adults with a Group III disability. This right mainly applies to specific categories, in particular people with a Group I or II disability in certain cases, children with disabilities and their accompanying persons.
Housing and utility services
There is no automatic discount on utility bills for all people with a Group III disability.
However, an individual or family may apply for a subsidy if their expenditure on housing and utility services exceeds a specified proportion of their income.
People with disabilities may also be entitled to improved housing conditions or home adaptations in line with their individual needs.
Tax, education and other benefits
People with a Group III disability may be eligible for a tax and social allowance if their income meets the eligibility criteria.
For sole traders with a disability, special rules regarding the Unified Social Tax (UST) may apply in certain cases.
In education, preferential conditions may apply regarding admission, study or adaptation of the educational process. This is particularly important for young people with disabilities who wish to pursue a profession or change their specialisation.
Other guarantees may include priority or preferential service in certain institutions, the right to rehabilitation aids, support with employment and access to social services.
How to apply for benefits in 2026
The first stage involves undergoing an assessment of a person’s daily functioning, which replaced the MSEC in 2025. It is based on the results of this assessment that a decision is made regarding the determination of disability and its category.
After this, the person can apply to the Pension Fund to have a pension or relevant benefit awarded.
For other benefits, you can contact social protection authorities, the Administrative Services Centre (CNAU), or use online services if the specific service is available online.
The following documents are usually required:
– passport;
– taxpayer identification number;
– a document confirming disability;
– pension card or disability certificate;
– proof of income, if the benefit depends on financial circumstances;
– individual rehabilitation programme, if the matter concerns rehabilitation aids or the adaptation of working or living conditions.
If the application for a payment or benefit is refused, the decision may be appealed through administrative channels or in court.
As reported by ThePublic, from 2026, people with a Group 2 disability will be able to apply for their status not through the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC), but through a new system for assessing daily functioning. This category is entitled to pensions, social benefits, transport, medical and domestic benefits, and certain employment guarantees.
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