How to restore a pension supplement
After the death of her husband, Maryna* became entitled to a survivor’s pension in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Pension Provision for Persons Discharged from Military Service and Certain Other Persons.”
However, during the next recalculation of payments, the territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine discontinued her monthly pension supplement of UAH 2,000. No proper legal grounds for this decision were provided to her.
For Maryna, this was a serious blow to her household budget. At a time when every hryvnia matters, the loss of part of her income created significant difficulties. Not knowing how to proceed, she sought free legal aid from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
Analysis of the situation: was the suspension of the supplement lawful?
A lawyer carefully reviewed the documents, the pension case file, and the recalculation decision.
Following the analysis, it became clear that:
- the supplement had been discontinued without proper justification;
- the actions of the territorial body of the Pension Fund were not in line with the requirements of the law;
- Maryna’s rights as a pension recipient had been violated.
This became the basis for applying to the court.
Protection in court
A DRC specialist prepared a statement of claim and collected the necessary evidence to prove that the actions of the Pension Fund were unlawful.
In court, it was established that:
- the suspension of the supplement was unlawful;
- the Pension Fund body was obliged to restore the payment.
The court ruled in favour of the claimant and ordered the Pension Fund to reinstate the monthly supplement.
Result: restoring justice
For Maryna, this decision became not only financial support, but also a moral victory.
The restoration of the payment meant the return of her lawful monthly UAH 2,000, greater stability in everyday expenses, and confidence that her rights can be protected.
Maryna thanked the DRC team for their support, professionalism, and care.
* The name has been changed to protect personal data, the image is an illustration and does not reflect the specific events described in the story.
DRC provides free legal aid in Sumy region thanks to funding provided by the European Union.
