Starting April 1, 2026, Ukraine will implement a series of important changes affecting various social benefits and healthcare programs. These adjustments include a one-time cash assistance for citizens, a recalculation of pensions for working retirees, and updated support measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Approximately 13 million Ukrainians will receive a one-time payment of 1,500 UAH, which will be automatically credited to their bank accounts or issued through Ukrposhta alongside their pension or social assistance payments. This support is available to pensioners with pensions below the maximum threshold of 25,595 UAH, as well as those receiving state aid or compensations. Notably, there are no restrictions for veterans and Chernobyl disaster liquidators.
Additionally, from April 1, the pension recalculation process will begin for those who continue to work after retirement. To qualify, at least two years must have passed since the pension was first granted or last recalculated. This recalculation will take into account any new insurance contributions made during this period.
For pensioners residing in temporarily occupied territories, it will be necessary to confirm that they are not receiving Russian pension payments, or their Ukrainian pensions may be suspended. This applies to individuals who have lived in these areas or left during the occupation. A statement confirming non-receipt of such payments must be submitted to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
Changes also extend to the financial aid for IDPs. Children among the displaced can now receive benefits regardless of family income, addressing previous barriers that often led to denials. Applications must be submitted by May 1 to ensure retroactive payments from February 2026.
Moreover, the government has introduced a fuel cashback program, allowing citizens to reclaim a portion of their fuel expenses, with a maximum cashback of 1,000 UAH for the month of April. The cashback rates vary by fuel type, offering 15% for diesel, 10% for gasoline, and 5% for autogas.
The ‘Affordable Medicines’ program will also see an expansion, adding 37 new medications to its list, which now includes 748 items aimed at treating various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Finally, new regulations regarding sick leave will come into effect, enhancing the scrutiny over sick leave issuance. The Pension Fund will have the authority to verify the legitimacy of sick leave claims, with provisions for electronic documentation becoming mandatory, while paper documents will only be accepted in exceptional cases.
Ukraine is set to implement a range of social and healthcare reforms starting April 1, 2026, including cash assistance for citizens, pension recalculations, and expanded medical programs. These changes aim to improve support for retirees and internally displaced persons, while enhancing oversight of sick leave claims.