Political analyst Ihor Chalenko discusses the launch of Ukraine’s new basic social assistance on the Klochkota channel. On September 25, the government initiated a pilot project it calls a breakthrough, allowing families to receive support faster via the Diia app.
Basic social assistance aims to combine five types of state payments into one: aid for low-income families, single mothers, children whose parents avoid alimony, people not eligible for pensions, and children under guardianship. Families now submit a single request, streamlining bureaucracy. The process is fully online and the system automatically calculates payment amounts.
The base amount is 4,500 UAH per family member, minus the average monthly income. The pilot currently covers specific categories. The Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry of Digital Transformation tested the system with over a thousand participants.
The reform targets the current fragmented social support system in Ukraine, which includes 39 different payments, often causing delays and queues. The new system plans to reduce application processing to a few days, helped by automatic income checks that decrease corruption risks.
The core objectives are supporting the most vulnerable populations, tackling poverty, and optimizing budget spending. Families can choose between the old and new support schemes.
However, some concerns remain. Under the new formula, certain families, especially those with many children or disabled children, might receive less support than before. Accessibility is limited for people without internet or smartphones, particularly elderly citizens or rural residents. Stricter checks could also mean support is denied to families with undeclared income or assets.
Additionally, there are IT security concerns due to recent leaks from state registries. Experts stress the importance of safeguarding information as digital reforms progress.
The basic social assistance legislation is currently in parliament, and—if approved—could take effect on January 1, 2026. The reform promises transparency and speed, but without more resources and focus on vulnerable groups, its benefits could be limited.
In summary, basic social assistance is an ambitious reform with potential, but significant challenges remain. Public discussion and open dialogue between government and society are key for success.