Support with Housing Costs for Older Ukrainians
Ukrainians aged 60 and above who do not qualify for an old-age pension due to insufficient insurance contributions may be eligible for housing subsidies. To qualify, applicants must meet two key requirements:
- have a minimum of 15 years of insurance record;
- have received state social assistance as a low-income family for at least one month during the income assessment period used to determine subsidy eligibility.
According to the Pension Fund of Ukraine, there was a case of a woman with 28 years of insurance record who did not receive pension payments. The Fund clarified that when applying for subsidies in October 2023, the relevant income period is January to June 2023. During this timeframe, the applicant must have received at least one month of social aid as a low-income family. Without fulfilling this condition, even having 15 years of work history does not qualify someone for the housing subsidy.
“For individuals aged 60 or older who lack the required insurance record to receive an old-age pension, a housing subsidy can be granted provided they have at least 15 years of insurance contributions and have received state social assistance as a low-income family for at least one month within the income consideration period for the subsidy,” explained the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
Therefore, if an applicant applies for the housing subsidy, for example in October 2023, they must have been classified as low-income and received social assistance for at least one month between January and June of that year. Details on how subsidies will be calculated in 2026 were previously published on the 'Khvylya' website.
This information is especially relevant as it highlights available support options for older Ukrainians unable to claim a pension due to insufficient insurance history. Housing subsidies can provide vital financial relief for low-income seniors, particularly during economic challenges. Understanding these eligibility criteria empowers individuals in this group to access essential social assistance benefits.