Ukraine's Government Simplifies Child Benefit Payments and Application Process

Streamlined Access to Child and Family Benefits

According to Міністерство соц. політики: The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved measures to simplify the application and payment processes for several key family benefits. These reforms target financial assistance related to pregnancy and childbirth, childcare for children under one year old, and the 'eYasla' (e-Nursery) benefit. The updated procedures for submitting applications, receiving funds, and application deadlines are designed to make it easier for families to access this vital financial support.

Key Changes to Application Procedures

• Parents can now apply for the childcare benefit for a child under one year old within a three-month window after the child's first birthday.
• The deadline for applying for the 'eYasla' benefit has also been extended: families may now apply within six months of a parent returning to full-time employment.
• Payments for the 'eYasla' benefit will be issued in a lump sum covering six months at a time-starting from the month after the child's first birthday (but no earlier than January 2026) and continuing until the child turns three.

Submitting an application is now more straightforward. Families can apply through service centers of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, Centers for Administrative Services (CNaPs), or authorized community representatives. The pregnancy and childbirth benefit can be paid to a standard Diia.Card account without special restrictions. The under-one-year childcare and 'eYasla' benefits can be received on any bank card with a designated usage mode. The Pension Fund will open such an account through branches of Oschadbank (JSC) upon application.

These changes are part of a broader digitalization effort in Ukraine's public services. Soon, it will be possible to apply for these benefits through the Diia app, as the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Digital Transformation are working on the technical launch. Furthermore, the list of categories on which families can spend the under-one-year and 'eYasla' benefits has been expanded. These reforms aim to make the process of receiving support more convenient and accessible for families with children.

These innovations represent a significant step in supporting families with children in Ukraine, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges. The simplification of procedures and the move towards modern digital services like the Diia app demonstrate the government's commitment to improving access to social support. The implemented changes could positively impact family well-being and contribute to supporting birth rates in the country.