Parents can again choose between a baby box and money
7 February 2025 18:09
Families with newborns will receive two pieces of good news at once. Starting this year, the payment of monetary compensation instead of the Baby Package will become permanent, as stated in the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 114 “Some issues of appointment and payment of monetary compensation for the cost of one-time in-kind assistance “Baby Package”. And after a one-month delay, payments will be resumed. How much parents will receive in their hands and where,
The government has supported a resolution drafted by the Ministry of Social Policy, according to which parents of infants will be able to receive cash compensation for the Baby Package this year. The cost of the compensation is UAH 7689, which is three times the subsistence minimum for children under six years of age established by law on the date of the child’s birth. These funds can be spent on baby products in 12.5 thousand stores that have joined the monetization of the Baby Package.
“During the existence of the Baby Package project (during 2020-2024), more than 729 thousand Ukrainian families have received financial compensation worth more than UAH 4.7 billion,” the press service of the Ministry of Social Policy reported.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in brief
According to the ministry, the project operated as a pilot in 2020-2024. Cash payments instead of the “Baby Package” were made exclusively through a special account at PrivatBank, which did not suit all parents. But starting in 2025, you can choose any of the authorized banks that will join the program. The list of these financial institutions will be regularly updated by the State Service for Children on its official website, where you can choose a bank.
The rules for receiving a baby box have not changed
In general, everything has remained the same. you can “receive the package” and use it directly in the hospital after the birth of the child. If at the time of birth it is not available in the maternity hospital, then you need to submit an application to the social protection authorities or the Center for the Provision of Administrative Services (CPAS) at the place of residence within 30 calendar days from the date of birth of the baby.
Not only the biological parents of a newborn, but also foster parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, guardians and foster caregivers can receive the Baby Package. If the child was not born in a maternity hospital, you need to collect and submit: a birth certificate and a document confirming the fact of birth. “The Baby Package is also available for young mothers who have found themselves abroad due to the war.
“In 2024, more than 41 thousand families received the Baby Box. The box contains 50 items necessary for a baby (diapers, swaddles, blankets, mattresses, towels, hygiene products, toys and much more). A partner of UNICEF Ukraine added a very important attribute to the package – a book for young families on how to take care of a child from birth to one year. At the same time, the financial compensation was the same as planned for this year – UAH 7689,” said
[Kommersant] from the Ministry of Social Policy.
The money can only buy children’s clothes and food
But it is worth remembering that the financial compensation is a one-time payment for each newborn child to purchase children’s goods: child care and baby hygiene products; children’s clothing and footwear; baby food; dishes; children’s toys; textiles for children; baby walkers, strollers, carriages, bath tubs. That is, nothing else can be purchased with this money.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
But, as the ministry notes, last year the composition of the “package” was revised to reflect the wishes of parents of newborns, and now the baby box is rationally equipped. It includes items that are in greater demand, such as reusable waterproof diapers, warm clothes for babies, and the size of the blanket has been increased, but the number of clothes of the smallest size, from which babies quickly grow out, has been reduced.
But the payments for the birth or adoption of a child have not changed. In 2025, they will amount to the same UAH 41,280 ($1,000), and the payments at birth have not increased, as this amount is set by law and does not depend on the subsistence level. This financial support package does not depend on the number of newborns in the family, whether it is the second, third or fourth child.
Parents are paid a down payment of UAH 10,320, and the rest of the amount is paid in equal installments (UAH 860 each) over the next 36 months. And, as mothers tell us, these 860 UAH per month cannot even buy baby food today – a jar of formula costs about 500 UAH, and it lasts for three days. And prices are constantly rising.
It’s a meager allowance that won’t even feed a child, let alone buy other things. And if the government is interested in increasing the birth rate, then more money should be allocated for the birth of children and their subsequent upkeep.
As a reminder, baby boxes were introduced back in 2018, when a pilot project was launched by the government of Ukraine, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), and UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services). Since then, more than 700 thousand Baby Packs have been distributed.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
Author: Alla Dunina
