Ukraine plans to significantly increase payments to children with disabilities: amounts may increase to 18 thousand hryvnias

In Ukraine, it is proposed to update the system of state support for children with disabilities and people with disabilities since childhood. Bill No. 14191 provides for an increase in social benefits and the introduction of comprehensive services for children and their families.

The relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada recommended that the parliament adopt the document in the second reading and as a whole.

This was announced by Danylo Hetmantsev, a people’s deputy, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy.

Payments to children with disabilities may increase significantly

Currently, state social assistance for children with disabilities is calculated based on the subsistence minimum. At the same time, current payments often do not cover the costs of families for the care, rehabilitation and education of children.

Bill No. 14191 proposes to move from fragmented assistance to comprehensive state support, which will combine cash payments and social services.

In particular, for children with disabilities of subgroup A aged 6 to 18 years, living in families, the payments are proposed to be increased from 8,840 to 18,000 hryvnias.

For children with disabilities without subgroup A, the amount of assistance may increase from 3,572 to 13,500 hryvnias.

The rules for assigning the care allowance will change

The bill also provides for a new approach to assigning the care allowance.

It is planned to assign it based on the conclusion of a medical advisory commission. The introduction of a separate new system for assessing needs for receiving such assistance is not envisaged.

In addition, it is proposed to introduce a base amount – a special indicator that will be used to determine the amount of state social assistance.

Starting from 2027, the base amount should be at least 4,000 hryvnias.

New rules for payments for orphans

Separate changes will apply to orphans.

By 2028, it is planned that state assistance for such children will be fully credited to their personal accounts.

If the child is in an institution, 50% of the assistance will be transferred to their personal account, and another 50% to the relevant institution on the basis of a contract.

An early intervention service will be introduced for families

The bill provides for the introduction of a comprehensive early intervention social service.

Families whose child under the age of four has a developmental disorder or is at risk of developing such disorders will be able to receive it.

It is also planned to introduce basic social services for children with disabilities and their families.

These include support during inclusive education, comprehensive development and care for children with disabilities, as well as a temporary rest service for parents and caregivers.

Such services will be financed from the state budget.

The relevant committee emphasizes that the adoption of the draft law should contribute to the creation of a systemic model of social support in Ukraine, based on the principles of dignity, equality of opportunity, and human development.

Currently, draft law No. 14191 has been recommended to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration and adoption in the second reading and as a whole.