The Pension Fund of Ukraine has intensified checks on subsidy recipients. Now, the conditions for providing assistance have become stricter, and payments may be blocked for various reasons, including hidden incomes and large purchases.
The most common reasons for subsidy denial are inaccuracies in declarations and undeclared incomes. The Pension Fund has the ability to verify this data through state registers.
“The Pension Fund now has access to all state registers, from bank accounts to the real estate register,” emphasizes journalist Iryna Polyakova.
Red flags for the Pension Fund are:
- Status of Individual Entrepreneur (IE). Even if a pensioner is registered as an IE and does not work, their income may lead to the loss of a subsidy.
- Received money from abroad. These funds may count as income.
- Errors in the declaration. Even a small inaccuracy can lead to the loss of assistance.
It's Important to Check Large Purchases and Property Status
A subsidy is granted only to those who truly need it. Therefore, the property status of each applicant is examined closely.
- Large purchases. If someone in the family bought something for more than 100,000 hryvnias, the subsidy may be canceled.
- Deposits and savings. Having money in bank accounts or deposits can also lead to denial.
- Additional housing. Owning another apartment or house may lead to the loss of a subsidy.
- Cars. A car that is less than 5 years old, or having two or more cars may be a reason for denial.
Important Change in Fuel Assistance Provision
By the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 1157, a new rule has been introduced for those heating their homes with solid fuel - now only one type of assistance is possible: monetary assistance from donors or a subsidy. The right to a subsidy for other utility services remains.
Unacceptable Incomes Affecting Subsidy
- New basic social assistance.
- National cashback.
- Winter 'eSupport' and 'Vova's thousand'.
- Alimony received or paid for the maintenance of children.
How to Resolve Utility Debt Issues?
If the utility debt exceeds 680 hryvnias and has been outstanding for three months, payments may be suspended. However, the subsidy can be restored by entering into a debt restructuring agreement with the supplier.
The Pension Fund of Ukraine has tightened checks on subsidy and solid fuel assistance recipients and activated the detection of undeclared incomes and property assets. Control over social support programs has become more effective, allowing for better direction of assistance to those who truly need it.