Simplified Access to State Benefits for Parents
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved measures to simplify the application and payment process for state parental benefits, including those under the eYasla program. Announced by the Ministry of Social Policy's press service, these changes affect where applications are submitted, the payment mechanism, the list of eligible goods for spending, and application deadlines. These reforms aim to make it easier for families to access crucial financial support during a child's early years, a period of significant expense.
Key Changes to the Benefit Application Process
Applications can now be submitted through Administrative Service Centers (ASCs) or authorized representatives of territorial communities. Maternity benefits can be paid directly to a standard ePidtrymka card account without special spending restrictions. For childcare benefits for children under one year old and the eYasla program, payments will be made to any card with a designated spending regime. If parents lack such a card, the Pension Fund will open an account through a branch of Oschadbank.
Application deadlines have also been revised. For instance, applications for the benefit for a child under one year old can now be submitted within three months after the child's first birthday. Regarding the eYasla program, the application window has been extended. Parents can apply within six months of returning to full-time work. In this case, the payment will be calculated retroactively for the entire six-month period, starting from the month following the child's first birthday, but no earlier than January 2026, and until the child reaches three years of age. These government initiatives are designed to simplify parents' access to state payments and ease the process of receiving them.
These adjustments to the state benefit system reflect the government's efforts to enhance social support for families with children. Simplifying bureaucratic procedures is a key step in encouraging more parents to utilize available state programs, which can help alleviate financial pressure on household budgets during a challenging economic period.