In Ukraine, where the war continues to take a huge toll, cash assistance has become critical for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other victims. Thanks to the support of donors, including the European Union, UNHCR is implementing one of the largest and most modern cash assistance programs in the world.
Financial support to maintain dignity and independence
UNHCR offers various forms of financial support to enable people to make decisions according to their specific needs and circumstances. This helps to preserve the dignity and independence of those affected and provides them with a sense of normalcy. The assistance covers winterization, rent payments, housing repairs, food purchases and decent living conditions. In particular, the cash assistance also helps to support the local economy.
Emergency cash assistance for the most urgent needs
Emergency financial support from UNHCR helps families who have been forced to flee their homes or have been affected by shelling. In 2024, the organization established an emergency cash assistance program for people directly affected by rocket attacks or evacuated from frontline communities. This program aims to provide urgent support in critical situations.
Financial assistance for housing repairs
Russian shelling continues to damage buildings and infrastructure, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes. UNHCR’s cash assistance program is helping families to rebuild damaged homes, enabling them to return to their places of residence and feel at home again.
Since March 2022, UNHCR has provided cash assistance to more than 2.1 million people in Ukraine, totaling over $511 million. This is made possible by generous contributions from the European Union. The program is being implemented through a network of social and legal protection service centers and mobile teams in 21 regions of Ukraine. These centers provide registration for assistance, as well as an initial assessment of compliance with vulnerability criteria.
Vulnerability criteria are regularly updated to reflect changes in the security situation and the growing number of affected Ukrainians. In addition, UNHCR supports the emergency cash assistance program, which is provided immediately after the shelling.
How to get help
For more information on how to register for any of the cash assistance programs, please visit the HELP page of UNHCR Ukraine.
Cash assistance from UNHCR is vital to support people affected by the war and help them rebuild their lives and feel part of the community again.
We have already written about tips from the Ukrainian Red Cross on how to help a child who is afraid of loud noises.
