What Will Change in Ukraine Starting April 1, 2026: Benefits, Pensions, Cashback, and New Sick Leave Rules

Starting April 1, 2026, the rules governing benefits, pensions, and sick leave will change in Ukraine. Find out who will receive assistance, how fuel cashback works, and what important steps you should take now

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April 2026 brings several important changes for Ukrainians—from additional payments to updated rules for social assistance and healthcare. Some of these changes will have a positive impact on citizens’ incomes, while others require careful attention to avoid losing payments or benefits.

Here’s what exactly is changing starting April 1 and what you should pay attention to.

1,500 UAH in aid: who will receive the payment

In April, nearly 13 million Ukrainians will receive a one-time government aid payment of 1,500 hryvnias. The payment is credited automatically: no applications are required, and there is no need to visit social welfare offices. The funds will be disbursed along with the pension or social benefit, but as a separate amount.

The following are eligible to receive the aid:

● pensioners whose pension does not exceed 25,595 UAH;

● recipients of social assistance or compensation;

● war veterans and Chernobyl accident liquidators—regardless of pension amount.

If a person falls into multiple categories, the payment is made only once.

Pension recalculation for working retirees

Starting April 1, automatic pension recalculation begins for those who continue to work after retirement. The main condition is that at least two years must have passed since:

● the pension was granted;

● or the last recalculation.

During this time, new insurance coverage and updated earnings are taken into account. At the same time, the average salary figure used previously remains unchanged.

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New requirements for pensioners from occupied territories

Some pensioners must confirm that they do not receive payments from the aggressor country. This applies to:

● individuals residing in temporarily occupied territories;

● those who left during the occupation.

To maintain payments, you must submit a corresponding application to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. If this is not done, payments may be suspended. This is particularly relevant for those who underwent identification in 2025–2026 but did not submit an application.

IDP Benefits: New Rules

The changes also affect internally displaced persons. Key updates:

● IDP children now receive benefits regardless of family income;

● Applications must be submitted by May 1 to receive retroactive payments (starting from February 2026);

● Disabled IDPs can reapply to resume assistance;

● The total duration of payments has been extended—it is now five six-month periods.

Fuel cashback: how the program works

A fuel cashback program is in effect in Ukraine until May 1, 2026. Terms:

● maximum refund—up to 1,000 UAH per month;

● diesel—15% cashback;

● gasoline—10%;

● autogas—5%.

Cashback is credited only at gas stations participating in the program.

At the same time, drivers should remember that financial safety on the road isn’t just about saving on fuel, but also having a valid insurance policy. Car insurance remains a mandatory requirement, and you can get it online via Visit Ukraine—quickly and without unnecessary lines.

The “Affordable Medicines” program is expanding

Starting in April, the list of medications under the “Affordable Medicines” program will increase by 37 items. In total, the program now includes:

● 621 medications;

● 59 insulin preparations;

● 32 combination medications;

● 36 medical devices.

The new items cover the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

New sick leave rules: stricter oversight

Law No. 4683-IX, which changes the approach to sick leave, takes effect on April 1. Key changes:

● increased oversight by the Pension Fund;

● the possibility of sick leave verification by independent doctors;\

● in case of violations — payments may be suspended, and funds recovered from the doctor or medical facility.

Sick leave procedures are also transitioning to a fully electronic format, and paper documents are permitted only in exceptional cases.

We remind you! In April 2026, the EU will change its residency rules for Ukrainians. Read about what changes will take effect in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and France, and what you need to do now.

Photo: mykola_kondrashev / Freepik

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