In the context of prolonged hostilities and internal displacement of the population, the problem of childcare has become extremely acute. Many preschool educational institutions have stopped working, families have lost their usual social connections and support from loved ones. To help working parents, the Ministry of Social Policy has adapted the program of reimbursement for childcare services to new realities. Updated rules allow officially hiring a specialist to supervise the child, covering a significant part of the costs from the state budget.
Expansion of Categories of Recipients of Financial Support
The government initiative has undergone significant transformations in response to the challenges of the war. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has significantly expanded the circle of persons who have the right to claim financial assistance. Attention is focused on internally displaced persons who raise children under the age of three, and families with children under the age of six who live in communities where it is impossible to ensure the operation of kindergartens. The program covers families who raise a child with a disability or severe illness, and families where one of the parents or guardians has a disability of the first or second group. Representative of the Ministry of Social Policy Olena Syla clearly outlines the essence of the initiative
“This is a state compensation service for childcare until the child reaches a certain age. Using this service, parents can get the opportunity to work, involving a nanny in childcare at the same time”
Requirements for the Level of Employment of Adult Family Members
Receiving reimbursement requires strict conditions regarding employment. The program is created exclusively for parents or guardians who are actively engaged in economic activity. Adults must work for hire, engage in entrepreneurial activity as an individual entrepreneur, undergo professional retraining, or be registered with the employment center as unemployed for a period of up to six months. Involvement in socially useful work or measures to ensure the country’s defense provides a legitimate basis for participation in the program. Being on childcare leave makes it impossible to receive funds, except in cases where parents have a severe disability.
Rules for Choosing and Officially Registering a Caregiver
Providing childcare services requires official registration of the service provider. The role of a municipal nanny is performed by an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity with the relevant economic activity codes. Legislation strictly regulates family relationships. Olena Syla explains this nuance
“Grandmothers, grandfathers cannot be municipal nannies. This is stipulated in the resolution, that fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters cannot”
An individual entrepreneur has the right to take care of no more than three children at the same time. The state leaves the family the right to independently determine the caregiver. Representative of the profile ministry adds:
“The family can choose this nanny themselves, i.e. they are not imposed, they can choose who they leave their child with”
She emphasizes the important financial aspect
“This compensatory payment does not affect the appointment of other social payments, i.e. when calculating the total income of the family, this payment is not taken into account in the family’s total income”
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Conclusion of the Agreement and Fixing Security Measures
The process begins with the signing of an agreement between the family and the chosen specialist. This document must necessarily prescribe algorithms for actions during air alarms, given the situation in the region. Deputy Director of the Department of Social Protection of the Population of the Volyn Regional State Administration Olena Markusiak emphasizes the responsibility of adults in this process:
“The security situation in each region of our country is different. The family that decided that someone else would take care of their child must be informed. Individually discuss and then prescribe in the agreement all those risks that may be in the region where they live”.
Mechanism of Payment and Submission of Reports
The amount of monthly reimbursement is calculated based on the level of the minimum wage per hour. The state fully covers the costs based on the minimum rate for each hour of work of the specialist, with a limit of one hundred and sixty-five hours per month. The package of documents is submitted to the structural subdivisions of social protection of the population or centers for providing administrative services. For the uninterrupted receipt of funds, parents are required to submit an act of performed work and payment receipts by the fifth day of each month. Changes in life circumstances require a quick response. Olena Markusiak warns about the consequences of delay:
“The legislation provides for the obligation of internally displaced persons or families using the municipal nanny service to notify the social protection authorities of all conditions and circumstances that lead to the termination of this payment or review of the amount of compensation. Notification must be made within one day after such changes occurred in the family”
Protection of Citizens’ Rights when Receiving Social Assistance
The registration process may be accompanied by bureaucratic obstacles or unjustified refusals on the ground. Representative of the Ombudsman’s Office Iryna Kalopaha advises citizens to actively defend their interests and correctly record the actions of officials:
“If you want to further deal with this issue, you have the right to receive a decision from the authority to which you submitted the application. Be sure to insist that they provide you with a written refusal, because only this can be the basis for further consideration of this situation”
The Authorized Representative of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights Dmitry Lubinets in his address assured the displaced persons of support
“I know that for many of you, life has changed completely due to the Russian invasion. But despite all the difficulties, you continue to hold on. The Institution of the Ombudsman of Ukraine sees you, hears you, and works to help you”
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