The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a decision that simplifies the procedure for receiving pensions and insurance payments for internally displaced persons (IDPs), citizens abroad and residents of the temporarily occupied territories (TOT).
Previously, these categories of pensioners had different algorithms for receiving payments, which created difficulties in accessing funds. Now, all Ukrainian citizens, regardless of their place of residence, will receive pensions under the same rules. One of the main changes was the abolition of the requirement to receive pensions only through Oschadbank – from now on, funds can be received at any bank in Ukraine.
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In addition, new identity verification rules have been introduced for citizens who live in the TOT or have moved abroad. They must undergo physical identification once a year by 31 December. If a pensioner lives in TOT and has not been identified for six months, he or she must make at least one financial transaction on his or her account to confirm that he or she is alive and personally using pension payments.
For those who have travelled abroad, there are several ways to undergo identification: in person at a bank or Pension Fund office, in diplomatic missions, or remotely through the Pension Fund portal via video link or Diia.Signature.
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It is also important that pensions for residents of the TOT are paid only if the person does not receive similar payments from Russia. To confirm this, you need to submit an application to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
If a pensioner fails to be identified or does not make any financial transactions on his or her account, payments may be temporarily suspended. They can be resumed after applying to the Pension Fund and going through the necessary procedures.
The new rules are intended to simplify the receipt of payments and minimise the risk of pensions being suspended due to technical or bureaucratic obstacles.
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