Can a pensioner be awarded a disability category in 2026?

This has been announced by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

When a pensioner may be granted disability status

A diagnosis or advanced age in itself is not grounds for being granted a disability status. A team of experts assesses the extent to which an illness, injury or their consequences limit a person’s ability to move around, communicate, orientate themselves, work, control their behaviour and look after themselves independently.

You can apply for an assessment, for example, following a stroke, major surgery, amputation, loss of sight, cancer, heart failure, complications from diabetes or other conditions involving persistent impairments to bodily functions. The final decision depends not on the name of the condition, but on its actual impact on the individual.

How a pensioner can apply for a disability category

The procedure should begin by consulting the doctor treating the underlying condition. This may be a GP or a specialist – such as a neurologist, cardiologist, oncologist, surgeon or other medical professional.

The doctor assesses the patient’s condition, prescribes the necessary tests and, where justified, issues an electronic referral for an assessment of daily functioning. Medical reports, test and examination results, documents relating to treatment and rehabilitation, as well as information confirming the chronic nature of the health impairments, are attached to the file.

From 1 January 2025, decisions on the determination of disability in adults will be made not by the Medical and Social Expertise Commission (MSEC), but by expert teams specialising in the assessment of daily functioning. These teams operate within designated medical institutions, and referrals and documents are submitted via an electronic system.

Is it necessary to attend the assessment in person?

The assessment may take place in person, in absentia based on documents, remotely using telemedicine, or at the person’s place of residence or treatment. The form of assessment is determined taking into account the patient’s condition and the established criteria.

A bedridden pensioner or a person who is unable to travel to hospital unaided should not automatically be required to attend an in-person assessment. The doctor must note the relevant circumstances on the referral and attach supporting documents.

In 2026, the expert panel may make an audio recording of the case review. However, recording is not strictly mandatory for every session. The patient also has the right to record the assessment themselves, either on audio or video, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance.

Which disability group may be assigned to a pensioner

Group I is assigned for the most severe impairments, where a person is largely or entirely dependent on outside assistance. Group II is intended for individuals with significant limitations in daily living who are able to partially look after themselves. Group III is assigned for moderate but persistent impairments.

The category, the cause of the disability and the duration for which it is granted are determined by a panel of experts based on the results of the assessment. The doctor issuing the referral cannot guarantee a specific category in advance.

For people who have reached retirement age, disability is generally recognised as permanent. Specific conditions depend on the cause of the disability and medical circumstances; therefore, the duration must be checked in the extract from the expert panel’s decision.

What happens to your pension once disability has been established

Being awarded a disability group does not automatically mean that your old-age pension will cease. However, a person who is entitled to both an old-age pension and a disability pension cannot receive both payments at the same time — they must choose one type of pension.

The disability pension amounts to 100 per cent of the calculated old-age pension for Group I, 90 per cent for Group II and 50 per cent for Group III. To qualify for it, a person must also have a period of insurance, the length of which depends on their age at the time the disability is established.

For some non-working individuals with Group II or III disability, a disability pension may be granted at the rate of an old-age pension, provided they have the required insurance record. Before switching to another type of benefit, it is advisable to contact the Pension Fund and request a comparative calculation.

If an application for a disability pension is submitted within three months of the disability category being established, the benefit may be awarded from the date the disability was established. If the application is submitted later, it will be awarded from the date the application was submitted.

Does a disability entitle you to a discount on utility bills?

The law does not provide for a general automatic 50 per cent discount on housing and utility bills for all people with a disability. Entitlement to such a benefit may depend on the cause of the disability, membership of a specific benefit category and family income.

The same applies to medicines and transport. Free or subsidised provision of medicines depends on the disability group, income, type of illness and the terms of the specific government programme. Transport concessions also vary depending on the disability group and the type of transport.

Once you have received the decision, you should check your entitlement to pension payments separately with the Pension Fund, to social services with the social protection authority, and to free medicines and rehabilitation aids with your doctor or the relevant state institution.

What to do if your application for a disability assessment is refused

The decision of the expert panel can be appealed through administrative channels or in court. It is advisable to attach new medical reports, examination results and documents confirming limitations on daily functioning to the appeal.

If a person’s health has subsequently deteriorated, they may consult a doctor again to obtain a new referral. A previous refusal does not deprive a pensioner of the right to undergo an assessment if there are new medical grounds.

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