Only 10 years of experience: will Ukrainians be able to retire at 65
For pension assignment in Ukraine, the length of insurance experience is of key importance. The right to a pension and its amount depend on the number of years during which a person officially worked and paid contributions to the compulsory state social insurance system. However, not all citizens can boast a significant record. Let's consider what people with only 10 years of insurance experience can expect.
What experience is required to retire in 2026
The right to an age pension will arise under the following conditions:
- at 60 years old — with at least 33 years of insurance experience;
- at 63 years old — at least 23 years of experience;
- at 65 years old — from 15 years of experience.
The experience requirements are gradually increasing. Thus, in 2027, to retire at 60, it will be necessary to have 34 years of experience, and for a pension at 63 — at least 24 years. Another year later, in 2028, the minimum experience will increase to 35 years for 60-year-olds and to 25 years for those retiring at 63.
A person who has reached the age of 65 but has only 10 years of insurance experience will not be able to apply for an age pension. The law establishes a minimum requirement of 15 years of insurance experience. If this indicator is not met, the right to pension payments does not arise.
Citizens who have not acquired the necessary experience for pension assignment can claim state social assistance. In 2026, its amount is 2595 hryvnias per month.
To apply for such a payment, it is necessary to contact the social protection authorities at the place of residence and submit the appropriate documents.
Is it possible to increase the experience
The law allows citizens to voluntarily pay contributions and thus increase their insurance experience. If a person has only 10 years of experience, they need to acquire an additional 5 years to gain the right to an age pension after reaching 65.
At the same time, purchasing experience for past periods is done at an increased rate. For each month, it will be necessary to pay double the amount of the minimum insurance contribution.
In particular, if the minimum contribution in 2026 is 1902.34 UAH per month, then to credit experience for previous years, it will be necessary to pay 3804.68 UAH for each month.
To conclude an agreement on voluntary participation in the social insurance system, it is necessary to contact the tax authority at the place of residence and submit:
- an application for voluntary participation in the compulsory state social or pension insurance system;
- a copy of the employment record book (if available);
- an extract from personalized accounting in the OK-5 form;
- a copy of an identity document.
After paying the necessary contributions, the corresponding period will be credited to the insurance experience, which will allow meeting the minimum requirements for pension assignment.
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