Points of Resilience, subsidies, and 112: a complete list of assistance during the energy crisis
20 February 14:33
EXCLUSIVE
Against the backdrop of the risk of large-scale power cuts, the state has declared its readiness to support the population: “Resilience Centers” are operating around the clock, 41 kitchens have been set up in Kyiv for residents without gas, housing subsidies are in place, and a new algorithm for assisting citizens with limited mobility has been introduced, with the option of contacting 112. The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine responded to a request from the publication "Komersant Ukrainian" regarding the country’s readiness for more widespread heat and electricity outages, the availability of warming centers, and support for vulnerable groups.
In her response, Deputy Minister Inna Solodka explained that some of the issues fall within the competence of local authorities, but the ministry provided general information about the existing assistance mechanisms.
Warming centers: what works
The ministry reported that support centers and so-called “Points of Resilience” have been set up in cities, which operate around the clock and free of charge.
“These are islands of safety, stability, warmth, and our unity, which will operate around the clock and free of charge for temporary stays. The centers provide: heat (tents equipped with heat guns and generators); internet connection and power for devices; hot water and tea; first aid kits for assistance if needed,” says Inna Solodka.
In particular, in Kyiv, the State Emergency Service has prepared 41 kitchens to provide hot meals to residents of buildings without gas supply, and with the support of the Red Cross, points for distributing blankets and thermoses have been set up.
Compensation: who is eligible
The response states that housing subsidies remain the key instrument for compensating for heating and electricity costs.
“Through the housing subsidy program, the state compensates vulnerable categories of consumers of housing and communal services for their cost within the established social norms,” Solodka notes.
Eligibility for subsidies is determined on an individual basis, taking into account income, household assets, and tariffs. Applications can be submitted to the Pension Fund, through the Administrative Services Center, local authorities, or online.
Certain categories of citizens may also receive benefits for the payment of utility services and the purchase of fuel upon personal request.
Monitoring households at risk
The Ministry states that it is constantly monitoring the situation and coordinating with the regions.
“The Ministry is monitoring the situation around the clock and interacting with local authorities and social services.”
In addition, a new algorithm has been developed to help citizens with limited mobility during prolonged power outages: social workers and volunteers visit registered individuals in their homes and deliver essential items.
If a person is not registered, they can contact the 112 service.
Risk groups
The ministry explained that data on the number of households without heat is the responsibility of local authorities. At the same time, the groups most at risk have been identified.
“The most at risk are elderly people living alone, people with disabilities, people dependent on medical equipment, and residents of high-rise buildings without heating.”
For these categories, a rapid response mechanism has been established in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs: calls to 112 are forwarded to social services in the regions.
The response from the Ministry of Social Policy effectively confirms that a support system exists—from warming centers to subsidies and targeted assistance—but key data on the actual number of people without heat remains at the level of communities and local administrations.
At the same time, the ministry emphasizes enhanced monitoring and new assistance algorithms focused primarily on the most vulnerable groups of the population in conditions of energy instability.
