In Ukraine retirement benefits range from $50pm to $357pm, most pensioners receive approximately $120pm. However, the Government’s Pension Fund is bankrupt. Three months ago pensioners received their benefits three weeks late which meant some would probably starve and buying medicines just not possible. What savings they had have vanished due to high inflation.
A large portion of pensions is spent on utility bills which have risen substantially over the past three years and set to increase further by 40 per cent in March 2019 – demanded by the International Monetary Fund. Vladimir Groysman Prime Minister, has said “Ukraine has collected a gigantic debt which it’s not able to pay back on its own. This is why we need to borrow more on external markets and meet all the conditions of the IMF. The growth of prices for the population is one of such demands. An alternative way means a default”.
After payment of utility bills most pensioners have only between $10-$80pm for food and medicines. 80 per cent have only about $34pm left which means nearly 10 million have to save money by cutting back on food and medications with nothing left for clothes or shoes. Elderly people are reduced to searching dustbins in streets looking for food or clothes early in the mornings, as they are ashamed of being seen by their neighbours.
In November after increased prices for gas, a 61 year old from Sartana, Donetsk Region asked for a utility subsidy but was turned down – her pension was $57pm and her bill was $87. “How can I pay back the debt of $87 out of the pension of $57? It’s a noose about my neck!” These were her last words, she hung herself.
It is in Israel where these pensioners will be accepted and given the benefits and social privileges they deserve – a home and free healthcare. The numbers wishing to leave Ukraine are growing as this is the only way out of their dire poverty, anti-semitism, fear and humiliation. There is hope for them in Israel.