The residents of the areas contaminated by Chornobyl disaster do not receive state-guaranteed pension supplement of 1% for each year of excess length of job seniority. This is stated in the deputy’s appeal of the MP from the “Ukrainian Patriots Association – UKROP” Iryna Konstankevych to the Chairman of Ukraine’s Pension Fund Oleksiy Zarudny. The MP has noted that this problem is faced by hundreds of seniors who live in the 23th constituency, in particular in Kamin-Kashirsky, Lubeshiv and Manevychy districts of Volyn region.
“For reassessment of pensions according to the Law “On status and social protection of citizens affected by Chornobyl disaster” elderly people have to go to court with a claim. While court decisions oblige the Pension Fund in the districts to adjust pensions according to the law. Even if the demands are fulfilled by court, there is no money for additional payments in the budget,” stressed the MP.
Such a situation only aggravates social tension in the society, emphasizes Iryna Konstankevych.
“Ukrainian pensioners are the poorest in Europe – now the minimum pension is 1247 hryvnias, and till the end of the year it will be increased only by 100 hryvnias. Current pension system is far from being fair. For example, the average pension of judges is more than 20 thousand, while people who have paid for Chornobyl disaster with their health, do not even receive the guaranteed payments,” emphasizes the UKROP representative.
The MP considers that Ukraine’s legislation should be amended, so that Chornobyl victims could receive additional payments not due to the court decisions, but with appeals to the offices of the Pension Fund at the place of residence. In addition, according to the MP, today while proposing a pension reform it is necessary to take into account all shortcomings of the current pension system.
Reference. The minimum length of job seniority for women living in contaminated areas is 15 years, and for men – 20 years. According to the law “On status and social protection of citizens affected by Chornobyl disaster” Chornobyl victims should receive pension supplement – one percent per year for excess length of job seniority. However, in practice there are no additional payments.
