13 October 2026, 13:20
On 13 October 2026, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the second reading and as a whole a Law of Ukraine “On Basic Social Assistance” (No. 15094).
The Law aims to establish a unified approach to providing state social support for low-income families and families in crisis situations, enhance its targeting, ensure a timely response to difficult life circumstances, and promote the economic independence of families, in particular, through the introduction of basic social assistance as a new mechanism of support for low-income families and families in crisis situations.
What is basic social assistance?
It is a monthly cash payment, the amount of which will depend on family composition, its average monthly total income, and property status.
The amount of basic social assistance cannot be less than the total amount of government support that the family or individual received on the date of application.
Timeframes for granting:
indefinitely — for specifically defined categories of individuals;
1 year — for large families;
6 months — for families in difficult life circumstances;
3 months — for families in crisis situations.
At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is empowered to determine, by means of resolutions, cases in which basic social assistance granted for 6 months may be automatically extended for a further 6 months. This is also provided for by the relevant provision of the draft law.
Comprehensive Family Support
Provision is made for identifying families in need of basic social assistance and informing them of their right to receive it.
The assistance will be granted simultaneously with the organization of social service provision and measures to promote the employment of non-working, able-bodied family members.
Provision is made for the involvement of a social manager who will assess the family's needs and formulate a case management plan.
Furthermore, the draft law introduces a social contract as a mechanism for interaction between the state, the territorial community, and the family. Its objective is the joint overcoming of difficult life circumstances or crisis situations and the promotion of the family's economic independence.
A New Approach to Determining the Need for Assistance
The Law provides for a transition from a predominantly categorical approach to assessing the actual financial and social status of the family.
Provision is made for automated profiling of families based on information from public electronic registries and state information resources.
Thus, monetary support will be combined with social services and employment promotion measures.
For non-working, able-bodied family members, provision will be made for personalized support, social accompaniment, a case management plan, an individual employment plan, and an individual social service provision plan.
The Role of Territorial Communities
Executive bodies of local councils are required to ensure the identification of families experiencing difficult life circumstances or crisis situations, the provision of information on the right to assistance, counseling, and support in processing the necessary documents.
Transition to the New System
The Law provides for a transitional period for the gradual implementation of the new system.
The Law shall be enacted on 1 January 2028.
During the period from 1 January to 31 December 2028, provision is made for the possibility of transitioning to basic social assistance for families receiving certain types of state social assistance, including assistance for low-income families, single mothers, children in large families, temporary state assistance for children in cases provided for by law, as well as state social assistance for persons who are not entitled to a pension and persons with disabilities.
Funding for the payment of basic social assistance is envisaged to be provided from the State Budget of Ukraine.
Funds from international donors, international technical assistance, charitable contributions, and other sources not prohibited by law may also be leveraged.
This Law offers a systemic shift in the approach to state social support: moving from providing individual types of assistance based on categories to determining eligibility and the amount of support based on the family's income, property status, composition, and individual needs, while simultaneously combining monetary assistance with social services and employment promotion measures.