A new social assistance system is being introduced in Ukraine: who will be able to receive payments and how they will be calculated

On October 13, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the second reading and as a whole Bill No. 15094 on basic social assistance. The document envisages a change in the system of state support for low-income citizens: instead of several separate payments, families will be able to receive a single monthly allowance, the amount of which will be determined individually.

247 people’s deputies voted for the relevant decision. This was reported by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

Who will be able to receive basic social assistance

The new model envisages combining several types of state support into one payment.

In particular, this concerns assistance to:

low-income families;

single mothers;

large families;

children whose parents evade paying alimony;

citizens who are not entitled to a pension.

The Ministry of Social Policy explained that the main goal of the reform is to make state support more targeted and take into account the real financial needs of each family.

How will the amount of payments be calculated

Unlike the current system, under which different types of assistance are assigned according to separate criteria, basic social assistance will be calculated for the family as a whole.

When determining the amount of payment, the following will be taken into account:

the average monthly total income of the family;

the property status of family members;

the established basic amount for a specific family.

The amount of monthly assistance will be determined as the difference between the basic amount for the family and its average monthly total income.

Thus, the amount of state support will depend on the financial situation of a specific household.

Is it mandatory to switch to new payments

The transition to basic social assistance will be voluntary.

Ukrainian families will be able to decide for themselves whether to switch to the new model of state support.

At the same time, previously assigned social benefits will continue to be accrued in accordance with the conditions established by law.

Therefore, the adoption of the bill does not mean the automatic cancellation of the already assigned assistance.

They will help not only with money, but also with employment

In addition to financial support, the new system provides for the provision of social services according to the needs of each family.

In particular, families will be able to receive social support, consultations, home care services, day care, early intervention for children and support during inclusive education.

For able-bodied family members who are unemployed, individual assistance with employment and retraining is provided.

A social manager will coordinate such services, who will assess the needs of the family and help form a personal support plan.

Why Ukraine is changing the system of social payments

According to the Minister of Social Policy Denys Ulyutin, the introduction of targeted social assistance is part of Ukraine’s international obligations within the framework of European integration and cooperation with the International Monetary Fund.

In addition, the adoption of the law is one of the conditions for receiving $200 million in budget financing from the World Bank within the framework of the SPIRIT project. The funds are intended to finance social payments.

Recall that the pilot project on the provision of basic social assistance started in Ukraine back in July 2025.

The draft law adopted by the parliament creates a legislative basis for the transition to a new model of social support, which will combine cash payments with individual social services.