Simplified Access to Child and Family Benefits
The Ukrainian government has enacted measures to simplify the application and payment processes for several key family benefits. These include aid for pregnancy and childbirth, childcare for infants under one year old, and the 'єЯсла' (eYasla) nursery support program. The reforms affect where applications can be submitted, the mechanisms for fund disbursement, and the deadlines for applying.
The application window for the childcare benefit for infants under one year has been extended; parents can now apply up to three months after the child's first birthday. Similarly, the deadline for the 'єЯсла' program has been lengthened to six months after a parent returns to full-time employment. Payments for 'єЯсла' will be made in a lump sum covering six months, starting from the month after the child's first birthday, but no earlier than January 2026, and continuing until the child turns three.
More Accessible Application Procedures
Applying for benefits is now more convenient. Applications can be submitted through service centers of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, Administrative Service Centers (ЦНАП), or authorized community representatives. Pregnancy and childbirth benefits can be paid directly to a current account linked to a 'Дія' (Diia) Card. Families can receive the under-one childcare and 'єЯсла' benefits on any bank card with a designated usage regime. For this purpose, the Pension Fund will open a special-purpose account through branches of JSC 'Oschadbank'.
Soon, it will also be possible to apply for these benefits directly through the 'Дія' (Diia) government services app. The Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Digital Transformation are working on the technical launch of these new application channels. Furthermore, the list of categories on which families can spend the under-one and 'єЯсла' benefits has been expanded. These changes are designed to make it easier for families to access state financial support, a critical need for many households during the ongoing war.
This government initiative aims to enhance the social protection of families with children in Ukraine, which is particularly vital under current conditions of economic strain.
Streamlining the benefit application process is expected to positively impact family welfare by ensuring they receive necessary financial assistance during child-rearing years. The introduction of new technological solutions via the 'Дія' app should also reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make support more accessible to all citizens.