The Government of Ukraine has adopted new rules for retired pensioners who have opened pension accounts in Oschadbank until February 24, 2022. According to updates in the legislation, pensioners who do not use their accounts for more than a year or do not undergo identification may lose access to their pension benefits.
These changes provide for two main cases when funds can be withdrawn from the account:
- Inactivity for 12 months. If the pensioner did not carry out any operations with the account during the year (did not withdraw funds, did not carry out cashless transactions or transfers), the bank will automatically return the funds to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
- Failure to pass physical identification. If a pensioner has not been identified at Oschadbank within six months, his pension funds may be frozen until the requirements are met.
Despite this, the government notes that withdrawals will not be made if the account has a lien or other legal restrictions.
In order to maintain access to their funds, IDP pensioners are advised to carry out regular account transactions, which can be any cash withdrawal, card use or non-cash transfers. It is also important not to forget to undergo physical identification, which can be done at any Oschadbank branch or through an ATM with a video identification function.
If the funds were still withdrawn due to non-fulfillment of the specified conditions, pensioners can apply to the Pension Fund of Ukraine or the Savings Bank for the restoration of payments. After identification and application, benefits will resume from the month they were suspended. All accumulated funds will be returned in full.
At the same time, in 2025, pensioners can expect an increase in pensions. According to government forecasts, indexation will be from 10% to 17% of the basic amount of the pension, although the minimum pension will remain at the level of 2,361 hryvnias. The minimum additional payment after indexation will be 100 hryvnias, the maximum - 1500 hryvnias.
Therefore, it is important for pensioners not only to follow the new rules so as not to lose access to their funds, but also to expect additional income in case of indexation.
