Reforms to State Child Support Payments
The Ukrainian government has streamlined access to state payments for families with children, broadened the list of goods and services the funds can be used for, and introduced new benefit amounts. These changes are part of a wider effort to modernize social services, which includes digitizing services, introducing the Diia.Card for convenient fund transfers, and adjusting payment levels to make the system more accessible and transparent for citizens.
Key Reforms and New Features
Under the new rules, most services are now accessible with just a few clicks, significantly simplifying the application process. Assistance can be obtained at the nearest Administrative Service Centre (ASC), through authorized persons in territorial communities, and soon, it will be possible to apply entirely remotely via the Diia app. The government has also introduced special accounts based on the Diia.Card to facilitate the transfer of funds.
Notable new payment amounts include maternity and childbirth benefits set at UAH 7,000 per month for the duration of sick leave. Payments for children under 1 year old will be UAH 7,000 monthly, while for children with disabilities, the amount is UAH 10,500. The eYasla (eNursery) program will provide UAH 8,000 per month per child, increasing to UAH 12,000 for children with disabilities. The application deadline for the under-one-year benefit has been extended to three months after the child's first birthday. The government has implemented a principle of 'funds follow the child's needs.'
The list of eligible goods and services for spending the funds has been substantially expanded. For payments for children under one year, eligible categories now include:
- Food products
- Children's clothing and footwear
- Medical services
- Optical goods and services
- Dental care
- Nursery fees
- Toys
- Books
- Entertainment, including visits to zoos, dolphinariums, circuses, and amusement rides
Payments under the eYasla program are focused on child development, covering expenses for nanny services, nursery institutions, schools, educational and developmental programs, as well as personal care items.
These reforms to state child benefits represent a significant step in supporting Ukrainian families, particularly during a period of economic strain. Simplifying procedures and digitizing services should enhance their accessibility and convenience for many households. The expansion of eligible purchases demonstrates the government's aim to address the real needs of parents and children, which could positively impact their well-being and development.