The Government of Ukraine has implemented a programme to support the population during the winter period of 2024/25. The programme provides one-off financial assistance to vulnerable categories of citizens. Here are the main steps to be taken to receive this payment.
Who is eligible for assistance
The programme is aimed at supporting those who are most in need of state assistance. These are pensioners, people with disabilities, low-income families, as well as orphans and children deprived of parental care. Each category has individual criteria that take into account their financial situation, social status and needs.
For example, pensioners are eligible for assistance if they receive an old-age pension, disability, or survivor’s pension. For low-income families, an important criterion is an average monthly income that does not exceed the subsistence minimum established by law.
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The amount of the payment
The amount of the one-off payment is determined annually by the government. At the time of the launch of the Warm Winter programme, specific amounts may vary depending on the amount of funding and the category of recipients. The best way to find out the amount of the payment is to contact your local social security office or check the information on official resources.
How to apply
The application procedure begins with contacting the local social security department. There, you need to fill out an application with the necessary documents. Usually, these are a passport, an identification code, a document confirming status (pension certificate or disability certificate), and a family composition certificate, if applicable to low-income families.
For those who have access to electronic services, there is an option to apply through the Unified State Web Portal of Electronic Services. This simplifies the process and reduces the need for personal visits to government agencies.
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When to apply
Applications are usually accepted in autumn so that the state has time to pay the assistance before the start of the heating season. It is worth paying attention to official announcements from local authorities to avoid missing the deadline. If you plan to submit documents in paper form, it is better to do so in advance to avoid queues.
How and when the payment is made
The money is transferred to the applicant’s bank account or paid through a post office. It depends on the method of receiving social benefits chosen by the applicant. Usually, the payment is made in October or November, which allows you to prepare for the cold season in time.
Tips for successful receipt of benefits
First of all, check that your documents are up to date. Your passport, identification code or pension certificate must be valid. In addition, keep copies of all the documents you submit to the social security authorities.
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