Subsidies in Ukraine in 2025: Ukrainians may face the risk of losing state assistance.
Subsidies in Ukraine play a crucial role in the economic policy that impacts the lives of many citizens. Starting from early 2025, Ukrainians anticipated the introduction of changes to the subsidy programs, which were linked to various economic and political factors. As a result, there is a risk that some citizens may lose their eligibility for government assistance.
Subsidies in Ukraine cover various areas, including housing, healthcare, education, and other forms of aid. However, since late 2024, the government announced plans to modify the criteria for granting subsidies, which will inevitably affect the number of recipients in 2025.
How the Criteria for Subsidy Allocation Have Changed
"Starting in 2025, subsidies will be assigned for the duration until the end of the heating season, and the subsidy amount will be calculated from the beginning of the month when the documents were submitted," noted a lawyer.
Furthermore, from the beginning of 2025, the following individuals will be eligible for subsidies:
- residents registered at the property;
- tenants with a valid rental agreement;
- internally displaced persons (IDPs);
- individual builders.
It is noteworthy that the maximum allowable amount for one-time expenses, which may hinder subsidy receipt, has recently increased. This amount is now set at 100,000 hryvnias. If the expenses were for a generator or other energy equipment, the limit is 150,000 hryvnias.
Subsidies may be revoked if the applicant fails to report changes in their property or social status.
From early 2025, when submitting documents, the family's income for the second and third quarters of 2024 will be taken into account, as well as pension income for November 2024. Subsidies may be revoked if the applicant does not report changes in their property or social status.
Even in the event of intensified power outages, the subsidy amount will remain unchanged. This is because the calculation of assistance is based on social consumption norms, and a decrease in actual electricity usage does not affect the subsidy amount.
"Despite the changes in subsidies, the government emphasizes that supporting the population will remain one of the key objectives of state policy and mentions the creation of new mechanisms for ensuring fair distribution of subsidies aimed at helping those who need it the most," adds the lawyer.
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Subsidies Will Not Be Granted: Criteria from the Ministry of Social Policy
The primary reason for denying a subsidy is having excessively large housing. If the apartment exceeds 130 m² or the house exceeds 230 m², the subsidy application will definitely be denied.
Exceptions will be made only for large families, family-type orphanages, foster families, and housing registered under multiple personal accounts.
In addition to large housing, there are other reasons that may lead to the denial of a housing subsidy.
In addition to large housing, there are other reasons that may lead to the denial of a housing subsidy.
- Additional property and financial transactions
If, within the 12 months preceding the application, any household member made a purchase or financial transaction exceeding 50,000 hryvnias (including purchasing foreign currency for more than that amount), made a large money transfer, or investment, the subsidy will not be granted.
- Additional housing
The subsidy will be denied if the applicant owns multiple apartments (with the exception of dormitories, rural houses, or housing in temporarily occupied territories).
- Personal vehicle
A new car manufactured less than 5 years ago, as well as another vehicle aged under 15 years, will be grounds for denying the subsidy.
- Debts
If there are family members who, according to the Unified Register of Debtors, have debts from enforcement proceedings, as well as if the household itself has arrears for utility services, the housing subsidy will not be granted.
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However, it should be noted that there is still a possibility of receiving government assistance in this case, as explained by the Pension Fund.
If there is documented proof of debt repayment or a restructuring agreement, the housing subsidy will still be granted.
If there is documented proof of debt repayment or a restructuring agreement, the housing subsidy will still be granted.
As the lawyer added, a consumer with debts can appeal this matter in court. If a ruling is issued to open proceedings, they may be granted compensation from the government.
- Lack of official income and payment of the Unified Social Contribution (USC)
However, this criterion does not always serve as a reason for denying a subsidy. In cases of lack of income and payment of the USC, a housing subsidy may be granted if the individual was registered as unemployed with the State Employment Service for at least one month during the income assessment period.
- More than 100,000 hryvnias in the account
If any family member holds more than 100,000 hryvnias in a bank deposit account or has purchased domestic government bonds for that amount or more, the subsidy will not be granted.
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A Complex Question: Is There Funding for Subsidies in the Budget and Will There Be "Filtering" of Recipients?
Experts are cautious about predicting what will happen with subsidies in the upcoming heating season (as well as with utility tariffs). However, support for low-income families continues in the current season.
"Subsidies in Ukraine remain a vital tool of social policy. In the new 2025 year, Ukrainians were expected to see changes in the subsidy system, but it is important to note that the primary goal is to ensure support for specific categories of citizens," added Konstantin Sklyar.
Changes to the criteria regarding the amounts and categories of subsidy recipients are likely, influenced by factors such as a potential increase in electricity prices in Ukraine, which energy experts have been discussing for a long time.