What is the size of the Chornobyl pension in Ukraine?

The 1986 Chornobyl disaster was one of the worst tragedies in human history. Its impact on the lives and health of people is still felt today, especially those who participated in the liquidation of the accident and lived in contaminated areas.

In Ukraine, people affected by the Chornobyl disaster are entitled to benefits and social payments, including pensions. The amount of the pension depends on the category to which the person is assigned and the disability group (if any).

Categories:

• Category 1: persons who received significant exposure and have a related disability group.
• Category 2: evacuees and persons who participated in the liquidation of the accident.
• Category 3: persons who lived/live in the territory of guaranteed resettlement.
• Category 4: people living in contaminated areas.

Disability groups:

• Group I: total disability.
• Group II: partial disability.
• Group III: minor disability.

Liquidators who are disabled are entitled to a disability pension. The amount of this pension can be quite significant, as it is supplemented by an allowance for damage to health caused by the Chornobyl disaster.

However, there is currently a limit: the maximum pension cannot exceed ten subsistence minimums. This unfairly restricts those who risked their lives and health to eliminate the consequences of the accident.

Fortunately, there are legislative initiatives aimed at lifting this restriction. Their supporters emphasize that:

• The liquidators made an invaluable contribution to overcoming the consequences of the disaster, risking their lives and health.
• The state owes them a proper reward for their feat.
• The current restriction is unfair and deprives the liquidators of proper social protection.
• Removing the restriction will not lead to a significant increase in budget expenditures, as there are not many such people.

On March 20, 2024, the Second Senate of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine made a historic decision, declaring unconstitutional the provision of the law that limited the maximum pension for Chornobyl victims to 10 subsistence minimums.

This decision was a victory for the liquidators of the Chornobyl accident and other victims of the disaster, as it

1. Abolishes the unfair restriction that prevented them from receiving a decent pension for risking their lives and health.
2. Restores justice and confirms the right of Chornobyl victims to proper social protection.
3. It is a step towards improving the welfare of the victims of the Chornobyl disaster.

It is important to note that the decision of the Constitutional Court is final and indisputable.

This decision was a significant step forward in protecting the rights of Chornobyl victims. However, it is important to remember that they still need support and assistance.

Despite the historic decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine of March 19, 2024, which abolished the limitation of the maximum pension to Chornobyl victims to 10 subsistence minimums, the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) still continues to calculate payments based on this rule.

This came as an unpleasant surprise to many victims of the Chornobyl disaster, who had expected automatic pension transfers and the receipt of their due amounts.

What should Chornobyl victims who have not received their due payments do?

• Apply to the Pension Fund with an official application for pension recalculation. The application should clearly refer to the decision of the Constitutional Court № 2-р(II)/2024 dated 20.03.2024.
• Seek legal assistance. Human rights organizations and lawyers who specialize in social protection of Chernobyl victims can help you with the preparation of the application and further protection of your rights.
• Go to court. If the Pension Fund of Ukraine continues to refuse to pay your pension in the proper amount, you can appeal their actions in court.

It is important to remember that you are not alone! Many Chornobyl victims are already fighting for their rights and seeking justice.

People affected by the Chornobyl accident, whether they are liquidators or victims, deserve special attention and support from the state, but face negligence from the Pension Fund. It is important to ensure the effective implementation of these regulations and to continuously improve support mechanisms so that all victims can receive the assistance they deserve.