As of today, there are about 10 million pensioners in Ukraine - this is more than a quarter of the entire population of the country. In times of brutal war, they all need special attention and care. In this article, we will talk about the kind of help that the state, international organizations and you personally can provide to old people.

Payments from the state

As before the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, elderly people in Ukraine continue to receive pensions. Moreover, in March, its level increased by approximately 14% after another indexation. Since July, after the renewal of the living wage, disabled people and war veterans, labor veterans and single pensioners over 80 have received another pension increase.

Old people who had to leave their homes due to intense hostilities can count on an additional 2,000 hryvnias from the state. For this, it is necessary to obtain the status of an internally displaced person and to be in an area of the country through which the front line does not pass. It is important to understand that such assistance does not affect the amount of the pension.

Help from the world community

Pensioners of Ukraine can also apply for financial assistance from international organizations. To do this, you need to leave an application on the website of the “YeDopomoga” service or contact the pension center of your local community. An identification code, passport and mobile phone number are required to complete the application.

Help from local authorities

In many cities of our country, programs of humanitarian support for the most vulnerable group of the population, including the elderly, are currently being implemented. Food, household goods and even clothes are delivered to pensioners.

In addition, do not hesitate to ask for help from volunteers if there is a need for it. You can contact them at any local headquarters. You can find one on the Internet or by asking your neighbors. You can often find out about charitable organizations from advertisements or banners.

How can each of us be helpful?

All of us face pensioners every day. These are our grandparents, neighbors or simple flower sellers. You can help the elderly in a convenient way. This can be the purchase of the necessary medicines, the processing of an ‘internally displaced people’ application, the online re-registration of a pension from the post office to a card, or simple information about safety rules during rocket and artillery attacks. Even simple attention and a short conversation can be enough to improve the morale of a retiree.

The war will surely end, and while it lasts, we must care for those who need it most.