Briefly
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the main conditions for pension indexation in 2026: the recalculation will be carried out from March 1, and the size of the increase will be 12.1%. This decision was announced by Minister of Social Policy Denys Ulyutin on Ukrainian Radio on February 12, 2026 — the government is currently finalizing a regulatory act that will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
Official statement
"With regard to pension indexation specifically, this year we plan to carry out indexation of 12.1%. That is 4 percentage points more than last year's inflation rate. The recalculation will be effective from March 1. We are currently finishing the calculations and drafting the regulatory act that will be submitted to the Cabinet, and all pensioners will have their pensions recalculated."
— Denys Ulyutin, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine (on Ukrainian Radio, February 12, 2026)
What this means legally and practically
The recalculation is provided for by the law on compulsory state pension insurance. Technically, this means that all pension payments to which indexation applies will be recalculated using the new percentage — automatically, without the need for additional applications from pensioners.
Why 12.1% — and why it matters
The decision to index by 12.1% is more than just a number: it is 4 percentage points above last year’s inflation rate, meaning the government is providing not only compensation for loss of value but also a partial restoration of purchasing power. For people with fixed incomes, this is a practical mechanism to protect against rising prices.
Real effect for pensioners
In 2025 the indexation was 11.5%: the average increase in payments then was about UAH 556, and the average pension after the increase rose from UAH 5,789 to UAH 6,345. As of January 1, 2026 the average pension size is UAH 6,545. How noticeable the current increase will be depends on the structure of individual pensions (base amount, supplements, indexation mechanisms), but for many this will be a real additional financial boost in the spring.
What’s next: pension system reform
At the same time, the government plans a larger pension reform in 2026–2027: the minimum pension in the solidarity system is to be raised to UAH 6,000, and the maximum payment size is promised to be capped at no more than UAH 26,000. This is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the system and reduce disparities between payments.
Important closing note
Indexation of 12.1% is a step toward protecting pensioners’ incomes and a signal of the authorities’ readiness to adjust social payments according to economic realities. At the same time, the final effect will depend on the final text of the regulatory act and budgetary funding. Whether this step will be enough to stabilize the purchasing power of the most vulnerable groups is the key question for the coming months.
