Ukrainian families with children can receive up to UAH 19,400 in assistance: who is eligible?

In 2026, UNICEF will implement several cash support programs in Ukraine for families affected by the war. Depending on the circumstances, families may receive assistance after shelling, evacuation, disruptions to basic services, as well as a one-time payment for the winter period in the amount of UAH 19,400.

Assistance after shelling and evacuation

For families affected by rocket attacks or forced to evacuate from frontline areas, a multi-purpose cash assistance is provided.

Its amount is UAH 12,300 per family member. The funds are designed to cover basic needs for three months.

Potential recipients will be identified in cooperation with local authorities, after which compliance with the program criteria will be verified.

Families with children after shelling — 16,700 UAH

A separate emergency assistance is provided for families with children who were directly affected by shelling, in particular if one of the household members was injured or killed.

The amount of such payment is 16,700 UAH. Families will be identified by child protection specialists and social workers, after which their needs and entitlement to support will be assessed.

Payments due to lack of electricity, water or heating

Vulnerable households that have been left without electricity, heating or water supply due to attacks can also count on emergency financial support.

In this case, 4,100 UAH is provided for each person. Depending on the territory and conditions of the program, the funds will be paid through local social protection bodies.

Who can receive 19,400 UAH for the winter

A one-time winter assistance of 19,400 UAH is provided for families with children. The program is funded by UNICEF, and payments will be made through the Ukrainian social protection system.

Families living within 0–20 km from the front line in designated regions and meeting at least one vulnerability criterion will be able to apply for assistance.

This includes, in particular, families with people or children with disabilities, single-parent and large families, families with children in alternative forms of care, individual IDP families, as well as recipients of subsidies and benefits for paying for housing and communal services.

How to apply for assistance

To receive a winter payment, a family that meets the established criteria must contact the Pension Fund, the Central Social Assistance Center or local authorities.

At the same time, UNICEF emphasizes that the fund does not independently register families, does not determine the right to winter assistance, and does not make individual payments within the framework of this program.