One of the key tasks of the Ministry of Social Policy is to support children and families with children, particularly providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable families in raising children. As part of the implementation of the comprehensive “Winter Support” package for Ukrainian families, the Ministry of Social Policy has announced the introduction of a new “Warm Winter” payment aimed at helping parents from low-income families and families with children among the most vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to purchase warm clothing and footwear for their children for the winter period.
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Purpose of the new payment
The new payment is designed to support families who find themselves in difficult life circumstances, particularly ensuring the needs of children, who need to be regularly outfitted with new winter clothing due to growth. As experience shows, children’s clothing is often as expensive as adult clothing, and families’ ability to purchase such items is limited. This is especially relevant for low-income families and families living in difficult conditions.
Support for low-income and IDP families
According to the new decree of the Ministry of Social Policy, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, in December 2024, families that are low-income or consist of internally displaced persons with children, who are receiving housing assistance, will receive a one-time cash payment. The amount of the payment will be UAH 6,500 per child under the age of 18.
This assistance will also be granted to persons with disabilities of Group I among IDPs.
Automatic payment disbursement
Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Oksana Zholnovich stated that over half a million children will be able to benefit from state financial support to purchase necessary winter clothing or footwear. The payment will be made in December 2024 without the need for additional applications from citizens. Based on the data available in state registries, the payment will be automatically assigned, and funds will be sent to the recipients’ bank accounts.
Important clarifications
It is important to note that the payment will not be included in the average monthly household income, which is calculated when applying for other types of benefits (e.g., housing subsidies). Therefore, this payment will not affect the assignment of other state benefits.
Support for families in challenging times
The introduction of the “Warm Winter” payment is another significant step by the state in supporting Ukrainian families during the war. This financial assistance will provide families with the necessary winter clothing for their children and strengthen the ability of families to continue raising and caring for their children during these difficult times.
