18 million Ukrainians will receive a 'winter thousand': when will the payments start.

According to ТСН: Citizens of Ukraine who applied for the 'Winter Support' program after December 16 will start receiving payments of 1000 UAH at the beginning of January 2026. The government reported a record number of applications - 18 million people have already expressed their desire to receive assistance.

According to the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Youth of Ukraine, those who submitted applications for participation in the 'Winter Support' program from December 16 will receive funds at the beginning of January next year. After the money is credited, recipients will receive SMS notifications.

This year, a record number of applications was registered within the program - 18 million. Last year, their number was 14.4 million. Of these, 14.3 million Ukrainians applied online through the 'Diia' app, including 3.3 million applications for children, for whom payments have already been made.

An additional 1.9 million applications were sent to the 'Ukrposhta' offices, of which 124 thousand were for children; payments for these applications are ongoing. Nearly 2 million pensioners and recipients of social payments who use the services of 'Ukrposhta' have already received the 'winter thousand' in a special account along with planned payments.

What can the 'winter thousand' be spent on?

The received funds can be used to purchase goods of Ukrainian production, including food products (except for excise goods), medicines, and books. Payments for utility and postal services or donations are also available.

It is noted that most of these funds are spent on utility bills, medications, and food products.

The list of retail chains where purchases can be made within the 'Winter Support' program is constantly expanding. Currently, products are available in stores such as 'Blizhenko', Auchan, SPAR, Varus, Torba, 'Sim23', 'Simi', Novus, Liga Prim, and Fozzy Group chains - 'Silpo', 'Fora', 'THRASH! TRASH!', Fozzy.

Moreover, payments for online purchases can be made using the 'National Cashback' card at the MAUDAU and Rozetka marketplaces.

We remind you that there are strict deadlines for using funds within the 'Winter Support' program. Money received as the 'winter thousand' on the 'National Cashback' card through 'Diia' must be spent by June 30, 2026, while recipients of payments through 'Ukrposhta' must spend it by the end of February 2026. Social assistance of UAH 6,500 for vulnerable categories of citizens is available for use within 180 days from the moment of crediting.

This program aims to support people during the difficult winter period, providing the opportunity to purchase essential goods and services. The high number of applications reflects the relevance of such assistance during the economic challenges faced by the country. Thanks to the government's efforts and the efficiency of the 'Diia' platform, many Ukrainians have the opportunity to receive the necessary financial support.