The Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) and the Ministry of Social Policy have issued detailed guidelines for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian pensioners residing temporarily or permanently abroad: by December 31, 2026, all pension recipients must complete a mandatory physical identity verification procedure.
If a pensioner’s identity is not confirmed before this statutory deadline, disbursements to bank cards will be temporarily frozen starting January 1. Accrued pension funds will not be forfeited — amounts will continue to accumulate in the individual PFU account, but the recipient will be unable to access funds until verification is successfully concluded.
For Ukrainians living in Germany, this requirement carries critical importance: beyond maintaining domestic pension entitlements, Ukrainian pension receipts directly determine the calculation of German social assistance (Bürgergeld administered by Jobcenter and Grundsicherung im Alter administered by Sozialamt).
Nodia’s legal and social advisors have prepared a step-by-step manual: how to complete identity verification within 5 minutes, available alternative methods, and how to properly report pension income to German welfare authorities to prevent allegations of benefit fraud.
Three Ways to Complete Verification from Germany
The Ukrainian state provides three official channels for verifying that a beneficiary is living:
| Verification Method | Requirements | Procedure and Processing Times |
|---|---|---|
| 1. “Diia.Signature” via PFU Portal (Fastest) | Smartphone with active “Diia” app, biometric foreign passport or ID card | Log into portal.pfu.gov.ua using QR code, complete facial scan (FaceID), and enter 5-digit PIN. Takes 3 minutes with instantaneous confirmation |
| 2. Video Identification with PFU Specialist | Computer or smartphone with webcam and microphone (Google Meet, Zoom, Skype) | Submit application via PFU personal account, book appointment date. Display original passport and pension certificate during a 15-minute call |
| 3. Consular Certificate from Ukrainian Mission in Germany | In-person appointment at Ukrainian Consulate (Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf) | Obtain an official consular certificate of life (Bescheinigung). Original document must be mailed by standard post directly to the PFU branch |
Step-by-Step Verification Guide via “Diia.Signature”
To successfully complete the process via the PFU electronic services portal, utilizing two separate devices (e.g., laptop and smartphone) is recommended:
- Preparation: Open the official PFU portal (portal.pfu.gov.ua) in your computer’s browser and click “Вхід” (Log in) in the upper right corner.
- Select Authentication Method: Choose the “Дія.Підпис” tab. A unique QR code will be generated on your computer monitor.
- Scan Code: Open the “Diia” application on your smartphone, activate the built-in QR scanner, and scan the QR code displayed on your screen.
- Biometric Face Scan: The application will prompt a facial verification test: position your phone at eye level and follow on-screen prompts (turn head, smile, or blink).
- Confirmation: Enter your secret five-digit “Diia.Signature” PIN. The system will automatically authorize and redirect your session on the computer.
- Check Status: Under the “Мої звернення” (My Inquiries) section, a system log will record successful authentication and physical identity verification. Save a screenshot or PDF confirmation for your records.
Interaction with Jobcenter and Sozialamt: Reporting Ukrainian Pensions
Many pensioners mistakenly assume that because payments are remitted in Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) to an account in Ukraine, disclosure to German welfare agencies is optional. This dangerous misconception can trigger severe legal consequences.
1. Mandatory Income Disclosure Duty
Pursuant to Section 11 SGB II (for Jobcenter) and Section 82 SGB XII (for Sozialamt), all foreign income streams, including state and private pensions, alimony, and disability allowances, constitute countable income (zu berücksichtigendes Einkommen).
- German agencies deduct the converted pension amount from standard basic income assistance (Regelbedarf).
- Currency conversion from UAH to EUR is executed using the official European Central Bank exchange rate applicable on the date of funds credit.
2. Liability for Concealing Pension Receipts
Willful non-disclosure of Ukrainian pension income constitutes welfare fraud (Leistungsbetrug under Section 263 of the German Criminal Code — StGB). Authorities enforce retroactive recovery of all overpaid benefits, levy administrative fines, and may report infractions to immigration offices, jeopardizing residence permit renewals.
3. Procedure if Pension Payments Are Blocked Due to Verification
If you fail to verify identity before December 31 and your pension is suspended, follow this emergency procedure:
- Notify Authorities Promptly: Submit a formal notice of change in financial circumstances (Veränderungsmitteilung — VTM) to your Jobcenter or Sozialamt.
- Provide Bank Records: Attach an official bank account statement showing zero pension receipts.
- Adjustment of Social Assistance: The welfare office must suspend pension deductions and disburse 100% of standard German assistance without deductions until disbursements resume.
- Following Restoration of Payments: Complete identity verification, receive retroactive pension arrears, and present updated banking records to Jobcenter for statutory recalculation.
Information Sources
- Pension Fund of Ukraine: Electronic Services Portal and Diia.Signature Gateway
- Pension Fund of Ukraine: Official Guidelines for Citizens Residing Abroad
- Gesetze im Internet: Section 41 SGB XII — Basic Income in Old Age (Grundsicherung im Alter)
- Gesetze im Internet: Section 11 SGB II — Countable Income for Bürgergeld Calculation
- Suspilne News: Statutory Procedures for Identity Verification of Ukrainian Pensioners
- Visit Ukraine: Practical Manuals for Consular Notarization and Status Verification Abroad