This is reported by ThePublic, citing the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Status of Mountainous Settlements in Ukraine’ and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 225, which regulates payments in 2026.
The law provides for a 20 per cent increase in the state pension. Consequently, the supplementary payment is calculated on the basis of the individual’s pension, rather than the minimum subsistence level.
For example, if the pension amounts to 5,000 hryvnias, the increase will be 1,000 hryvnias. The total payment after recalculation will be 6,000 hryvnias.
Therefore, information suggesting a uniform top-up of approximately 472 hryvnias for all pensioners does not correspond to the established mechanism. The final calculation in each case is carried out by the Pension Fund.
Who is eligible for the increase
Pensioners who have been officially granted the status of a person residing, working or studying in a settlement with ‘mountainous’ status are entitled to a 20 per cent increase.
Such settlements are located in the Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv and Chernivtsi regions. You can check the specific town, village or hamlet in the government’s list of mountainous settlements.
Simply living in one of these regions is not sufficient. It is the specific settlement in which a person actually lives or works that must have ‘mountainous’ status.
What are the conditions in 2026?
A person applying for a pension or state benefit for the first time must have actually resided in a mountainous settlement for at least six consecutive months. Alternatively, they must be permanently employed there.
At the time of application, the applicant must not be abroad. Information regarding the payment of the single social contribution in another settlement will also be verified. An exception is provided for people who can confirm that they actually reside in a mountainous area.
Residence will be verified every six months. To this end, the Pension Fund may obtain information from local authorities, social welfare bodies and other state institutions.
Is the supplement available to internally displaced persons?
Internally displaced persons may also apply for a 20 per cent increase if they actually reside in a settlement with ‘mountainous’ status and meet the established requirements.
As explained by the Ombudsman’s Office, internally displaced persons are entitled to apply for the supplement on an equal footing with other citizens. Social protection authorities will additionally verify their details against the IDP database.
How to apply for the increase
First, you must obtain a certificate confirming that you live, work or study in a mountainous settlement. This service is provided by the executive bodies of local councils and administrative service centres.
To apply for the certificate, you may need your passport, two photographs, and a certificate confirming permanent residence, employment or study. A detailed list is published in the Guide to Public Services.
Once the certificate has been obtained, the pensioner must submit an application to the Pension Fund. The Pension Fund confirms that the increase is granted on the basis of the application and the relevant certificate.
When payments may be suspended
The increase may be cancelled if an investigation establishes that the person has not actually been living or working in a mountainous settlement for more than six months.
Staying abroad for more than 60 consecutive days may also be grounds for cancellation. Payments may be maintained if there are valid reasons, including medical treatment, education, business travel, rehabilitation or caring for a sick child.
The recipient must notify the Pension Fund of any change of residence within
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