Ukraine’s Subsistence Minimum Should Rise to 12,000 Hryvnias, Says Lawmaker Hetmantsev.

Why the Subsistence Minimum Needs an Overhaul

According to Мінфін — Крипто/Фінанси: Danylo Hetmantsev, who chairs the parliamentary committee on finance, tax, and customs policy, has argued that Ukraine’s real subsistence minimum must be increased to between 11,000 and 12,000 hryvnias per month. He believes this figure is justified given the country’s current economic conditions. For context, this metric determines eligibility for various social benefits and is used to calculate fines and taxes.

For 2026, the official subsistence minimum is set at 3,209 hryvnias per person—289 hryvnias (9.9%) higher than in the previous period. The rates vary by age: 2,817 hryvnias for children under 6, and 3,512 hryvnias for children aged 6 to 18. Working-age adults have a minimum of 3,328 hryvnias, while those who have lost their ability to work receive 2,595 hryvnias.

Shifts in Social Policy

“The subsistence minimum must be aligned with the minimum pension and the tax-exempt minimum,” Danylo Hetmantsev said.

Hetmantsev stressed that the minimum wage should match this updated subsistence level and, furthermore, should not be subject to income tax.

In May 2026, a bill—draft law No. 15224-5—was registered in the Verkhovna Rada proposing a revision of the subsistence minimum. This initiative could mark a key step in reforming the country’s social policy, particularly in terms of improving citizens' living standards and well-being.

Raising the subsistence minimum in Ukraine is a critical issue that will directly affect social protection, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. Hetmantsev’s proposal reflects an effort to bring social benchmarks in line with real-life costs, which could have major implications for state budget spending and social policy. If enacted, the bill may help improve social security and, in turn, stimulate broader economic development.