Minimum subsistence level in 2026: how much it will rise and why it is criticized.

According to inkorr.com: The Minister of Finance, Serhiy Marchenko, announced that the Ukrainian government is working on a new approach to determining the minimum subsistence level, which is an important task for the government. According to the budget project for 2026, the minimum subsistence level is planned to be set at 3209 hryvnias per person, which will serve as the basis for calculating social payments.

The Ministry of Finance, together with the Ministry of Social Policy, wants to stop linking the minimum subsistence level with allowances, - Marchenko said.

The last time the minimum subsistence level was increased was at the beginning of 2024 when it was 2920 hryvnias. According to forecasts, by 2026 inflation will reach 9.9%, which justifies the need for an increase to 3209 hryvnias.

Criticism and Justification

Chairman of the parliamentary finance committee, Danilo Hetmantsev, noted that the current minimum subsistence level does not meet the real needs of the population. He advocates for an increase to 10-12 thousand hryvnias. This indicator is an important social signal that affects a wide range of aspects, including social protection, healthcare, and education. The Ministry of Social Policy is considering transitioning to a new model that better reflects the actual expenses of Ukrainians.

Thus, Ukraine plans to set a new minimum subsistence level at 3209 hryvnias per person, which will become the basis for calculating social assistance. However, the chairman of the parliamentary finance committee noted that this level does not meet the real needs of citizens, proposing an increase to 10-12 thousand hryvnias.

The issue of determining the minimum subsistence level remains relevant in Ukraine. The authorities are determined to work on a new model that will take into account the real expenses of the population. Whether the government can find a compromise between economic realities and the needs of citizens will become clear in the next few years when the new minimum comes into effect.