About the "School Starter Kit" Program
Families with children starting first grade this year are eligible to apply for the government-backed "School Starter Kit" initiative until November 1. This program offers a one-time payment of 5,000 hryvnias to help cover essential school supplies. So far, nearly 190,000 families have submitted applications, with 163,902 already approved. Given that 239,661 children enrolled in first grade this year, nearly 80% of eligible families have taken advantage of this support, reflecting strong engagement with the program.
How the Funds Can Be Used
The "School Starter Kit" provides a lump-sum state benefit that can be spent on clothing, footwear, stationery, and other school-related items. Payments are accepted both in physical stores and online retailers equipped with specific payment terminals registered under designated MCC codes. It is important to note that funds cannot be withdrawn as cash from the card, nor can they be transferred to another card; purchases must be made directly through the authorized payment terminals.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine has established a unified list of 30 MCC codes applicable to all targeted child-related benefits starting in 2026. From August 2026, families will be able to consolidate all child-focused social payments into a single dedicated account called "Care for the Child" within the "Diia.Card" system. The "School Starter Kit" is a key component of the government’s broader efforts to support families by ensuring children have what they need to succeed academically.
This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on parents, guaranteeing children have necessary resources for a strong educational start. The high number of applications demonstrates the program’s popularity and highlights the state’s commitment to social responsibility in education. As the program continues, it is expected to set new benchmarks for social assistance delivery in Ukraine.