New social assistance system: what payments to Ukrainians will be merged into one
18 September 2025 05:27
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law that provides for reform of the social benefits system. According to Taras Melnychuk, a representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, who posted on Telegram, starting in 2026, various types of state social assistance for low-income families will be combined into a single basic social assistance, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The draft law proposes to transform state social assistance to low-income families into basic social assistance and combine certain types of state aid from January 1, 2026.
Main provisions of the draft law
The draft law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Provision of Basic Social Assistance” provides for the transformation of the current system of targeted assistance into a single form of support. The new system will become a key tool for overcoming difficult life circumstances and ensuring a decent standard of living for low-income families.
The amount of basic social assistance is proposed to be determined as the difference between the total amount of the basic amount for all family members and the average monthly total family income.
The amount of the basic amount for a family is proposed to be set at 100 percent of the basic amount for the first family member (authorized family representative) and 70 percent of the basic amount for each subsequent family member, according to which the benefit is calculated.
For each child under the age of 18 and a person with a disability of group I or II, it is proposed to set the amount of the basic amount at 100 percent of such basic amount.
The purpose of the reform
The introduction of basic social assistance is aimed at simplifying the system of social benefits, increasing their efficiency and providing targeted support. According to Melnychuk, this will help focus resources on those who need support the most and help reduce poverty in Ukraine.
The reform will come into force on January 1, 2026, after the draft law is considered and adopted by the Verkhovna Rada.
As you know, on July 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a pilot project – basic social assistance.
Earlier, the Ministry of Social Policy had prepared a draft law to reform the social support system and introduce a single type of payment – basic social assistance. At the time, it was reported that the basic amount would be UAH 4,500.
