In 2025, Ukraine took another step towards a fair distribution of public funds by introducing a cap on the maximum size of pensions. This decision is enshrined in the state budget and provides for a reduction in pensions that exceed the established limits: 10 subsistence minimums for disabled persons, or four times the average pension in the country.
The changes are aimed at pensions that reach 60, 80, or even 100 thousand hryvnias per month. However, there are exceptions: the restrictions do not apply to military personnel who are currently defending the country or have participated in hostilities since 2014.
The government adopted a special resolution that provides for the application of reduction coefficients to the portion of pensions that exceeds the established limits.
- Pensions exceeding 10 subsistence minimums (23,610 UAH)
The coefficient of 0.5 is applied to the amount not exceeding 11 subsistence minimums (25,971 UAH). - Pensions exceeding 11 subsistence minimums (25,971 UAH)
The coefficient of 0.4 applies to the part that does not exceed 13 subsistence minimums (30,693 UAH). - Pensions above 13 subsistence minimums (30,693 UAH)
A coefficient of 0.3 is applied to the amount up to 17 subsistence minimums (40,137 UAH). - Pensions above 17 subsistence minimums (40,137 UAH)
The coefficient of 0.2 applies to the amount up to 21 subsistence minimums (49,581 UAH). - Pensions above 21 subsistence minimums (49,581 UAH)
The remaining amount is calculated with a coefficient of 0.1.
According to preliminary estimates, the new norm will affect about 17.6 thousand special pensioners. These are people who received so-called "special pensions" that were not secured by insurance contributions, but were paid from the state budget as an additional privilege.
Insurance pensions that fully match citizens' contributions will be paid without restrictions.
The war has placed significant financial constraints on Ukraine's budget. The new rules will narrow the gap between special and regular pensions, making the system more proportionate and fair.
Despite the logical justification for the innovations, the decision has sparked heated debate. Supporters of the reform emphasize the need to reduce social inequality in wartime conditions. Critics believe that the government should work more actively to attract additional revenues to the budget, rather than cut payments.
