The 'School Package' will not affect the amount of social assistance: an important clarification for first-grade families

What was clarified by the Fund

According to Пенсії (RSS): In its section, the specialists of the Fund discussed the question of how to account for the one-time payment of the 'School Package' received by first-grade families. The response stated that this money is not included in the total family income, from which state social assistance for low-income families is calculated. This norm is established in paragraph 4 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 809 dated July 7, 2025.

Thus, receiving the school kit will not make the family 'richer' in the eyes of social services and will not deprive them of their right to receive benefits.

How assistance is calculated for low-income families

The amount of state social assistance for low-income families is calculated as the difference between the subsistence minimum for the family and its average monthly total income. This total income is calculated over six months: the incomes of all family members are taken and the average monthly value is derived. The following sources of income are included in the calculation:

• wages;
• pensions;
• scholarships (excluding social scholarships for orphans);
• social payments;
• unemployment benefits;
• other income, such as money transfers from abroad and funds raised from the sale of property.

Resolution No. 809 is titled 'Certain issues of providing one-time financial assistance to first-grade students “School Package”.' Paragraph 4 of this document states that the amount of one-time payment is not included in the total family income for receiving any types of social assistance, including assistance for low-income families.

'The exclusion of the one-time financial assistance 'School Package' from the calculation of the total family income can significantly ease the financial burden on low-income families.'Source: Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine

The new rule helps parents prepare their child for school without fearing that the support received will reduce other social benefits. Such measures are aimed at protecting low-income families and creating more equal conditions for children's education.

In addition, this year Ukrainian families will be able to receive a one-time assistance of 5000 hryvnias for each first-grader, which will significantly ease the financial burden of preparing children for school. These measures aim to support parents and improve conditions for the education of first-graders.