Scholarship-Free Students Now Counted as Income for Low-Income Assistance

Updated Rules on Income Assessment for Adult Students

According to Пенсії (RSS): Starting in 2026, the way income is calculated for full-time adult students who do not receive scholarships has been refined when determining eligibility for state social assistance to low-income families. Under the new regulations, children up to age 23 who are enrolled in full-time or dual study programs are included as part of their parents' household. This means their income is factored into the average monthly total household income, a key criterion for receiving aid.

How State Social Assistance Is Granted

State social assistance is provided to low-income families when their average monthly total income falls below the family subsistence minimum. To qualify, the average monthly household income is calculated over the six months prior to the month before the application is submitted.

For individuals aged 18 or older who are full-time students at a higher education institution and do not receive a scholarship, each month without income is counted as 0.25 times the minimum wage.

• In 2026, the minimum wage is set at 8,647.00 UAH.
• This means the calculated monthly income for a scholarship-free student is 2,161.75 UAH (8,647.00 UAH × 0.25).

This amount will be included when determining the family's average monthly total income. Note that the calculation procedure is established by Resolution No. 632 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, dated July 22, 2020, which governs all types of state social assistance.

For low-income families, it is crucial to be aware of these changes, as they may affect eligibility for state social support. The average monthly total income of a low-income family is calculated over six months leading up to the month before the application, aggregating the earnings of all household members. This information is essential for those seeking assistance and for ensuring social safety nets during financial hardship.

The revised income assessment rules for adult students could significantly impact the financial standing of low-income families, as the earnings of studying young adults are now included in social aid calculations. This may become a decisive factor for many households relying on government support, particularly amid economic uncertainty.