New Compensation Procedure for Utility Costs
The Ukrainian government has approved a new procedure to compensate internally displaced persons (IDPs) for utility costs incurred while staying in official evacuation centers. This compensation covers communal services, liquefied gas, and solid or liquid heating fuel. Applications can be submitted online via the personal account on the Pension Fund's e-services portal. Payments will be made monthly by the 25th, with oversight handled by the National Social Service and its regional offices. This move addresses a critical gap in support for those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Expansion of IDP Living Assistance Program
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has expanded its housing assistance program for IDPs. The authorities have extended payment terms for the most vulnerable categories of displaced persons by an additional six months. Support for children who are internally displaced is also being strengthened:
- From February 1, 2026, payments will be assigned regardless of family income;
- Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
An additional 7.7 billion UAH has been allocated to finance housing programs for IDPs from temporarily occupied territories. The majority of these funds will be directed toward compensation for lost property. The support programs are targeted at the most vulnerable citizens and residents of the most heavily damaged cities. As Yuliia Svyrydenko noted:
“We are introducing a clear reimbursement mechanism for the owners or tenants of evacuation assembly points, intermediate points, transit centers, and reception points where evacuated people stay before further movement or resettlement.” — Yuliia Svyrydenko
She also emphasized that 'the state continues to systematically support people who were forced to leave their homes and those who provide them with temporary shelter.'
These measures are part of the Ukrainian government's efforts to assist internally displaced persons affected by the armed conflict. Amid the prolonged crisis, ensuring basic needs like shelter and utilities for those who have lost their homes is a fundamental priority. The expansion of aid programs and funding for housing projects demonstrates the state's commitment to improving living conditions for IDPs and facilitating their adaptation to new circumstances.
In addition to the newly approved compensation for utility costs, the government is also taking steps to assist evacuation and transit centers directly. This initiative aims to ensure that these facilities can provide essential services without financial strain. For more details on how the government plans to subsidize utilities for these centers, you can read the full story here.