Basic social assistance from October 1: who will receive payments and what are the criteria

From October 1, an extended government project began operating in Ukraine, providing basic social assistance. Now all low-income families can apply for this assistance, which was previously available only to certain categories of the population. However, to receive it, one must meet quite strict requirements.

Journalist Iryna Polyakova explained in her video that basic assistance is a unified payment that replaces other social benefits during its receipt. The pilot project, which started in July, has proven effective, so the government decided to expand it to a larger number of citizens.

«We experimented, we experimented, and ended up experimenting ourselves out», — noted the journalist.

Beginning October 1, 2025, assistance may be received by all families in the controlled territory of Ukraine with an income lower than the state-established basic amount. If previously the program was assigned only to certain categories of citizens, such as low-income families or children whose parents did not pay alimony, now it is open to all who meet the income criteria.

The amount of assistance depends on the difference between the basic amount and the actual average monthly income of the family. The application procedure includes two stages: first, a request for assistance must be submitted, and then an application for the designation of assistance. It is important to remember that together with the assignment of basic social assistance, all other state payments are automatically terminated.

«When you apply for the designation of basic assistance, you automatically agree to the termination of previously provided types of social benefits», — emphasized Iryna Polyakova.

Refusal to assign basic social assistance may be caused by property criteria, such as ownership of real estate, a car, significant purchases, savings, or able-bodied family members. In the event of discovering false information about income or assets, payments may not only be terminated but also reclaimed by the state.

The government of Ukraine is expanding the program of basic social assistance to all low-income families. Now, to receive this assistance, strict criteria must be met. The new program successfully started in July as a pilot project and will now be available to a larger number of citizens.