Ukraine's Basic Social Assistance Pilot Project
Ukraine has initiated a pilot project for basic social assistance, consolidating several separate benefits into a single payment. This new initiative aims to streamline the social support system for citizens. The assistance is granted for an initial six-month period, with the possibility of automatic renewal for up to two years.
Eligibility Criteria for the Assistance
A key condition is that a household is ineligible if it has made purchases exceeding 100,000 Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) within the past year. The assistance amount is calculated as the difference between a total base amount and the applicant's average monthly income over the last three months. The total base amount is structured as follows:
- 100% (4,500 UAH) for the first family member;
- 100% (4,500 UAH) for children under 18 and individuals with a Group I or II disability;
- 70% (3,150 UAH) for each subsequent family member.
For example, a family with one child would have a total base of 12,150 UAH. With an average income of 7,020 UAH, they would be eligible for 5,130 UAH in assistance. A family that includes a person with a disability would have a base of 18,000 UAH. With an average income of 5,126.67 UAH, they could receive 12,873.33 UAH.
For elderly individuals without a pension, the assistance varies based on their work history:
- Less than 10 years of service — 53% (2,385 UAH);
- 10–20 years of service — 62% (2,790 UAH);
- 20–30 years of service — 70% (3,150 UAH);
- Over 30 years of service — 88% (3,960 UAH).
To apply, individuals must sign two declarations: one of intent and one for appointment. Applications can be submitted online via the Diia portal using a biometric passport and a verified tax identification number, or offline through a service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. This pilot project is part of broader social policy reforms in Ukraine, seeking to modernize welfare delivery. It is designed to enhance social support levels and simplify access to necessary payments for vulnerable population groups.
The launch of this experimental basic assistance project represents a significant step in reforming Ukraine's social policy framework.
By merging multiple payments into one and enabling automatic renewal, the system aims to help more citizens receive essential support with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. These changes, under the new conditions, have the potential to ease the burden for many Ukrainians, particularly those belonging to vulnerable segments of society.