Winter Thousand 2025: What the State Support Can Now Be Spent On.

According to ТСН: The payment of support under the "Winter Support" program has started in Ukraine. This initiative provides a one-time cash grant of 1000 hryvnias for all Ukrainians, including children, and began on November 15.

Changes in the Support Program

This year, the list of areas for which the received funds can be spent has become more diverse.

How to Receive Support and Submit an Application

From November 15, a state program has been launched in Ukraine that provides a one-time payment to Ukrainians (aged 18 and over) in the amount of one thousand hryvnias for those who officially reside in the country. Children can also receive this support, which is processed by their parents.

Applications for the payment can be submitted in various ways:

• through the "Diia" application;

• through the services of "Ukrposhta".

You can go to the "Diia" portal to submit an application until December 24, 2025. The funds will be credited to a special bank card "National Cashback."

For pensioners and recipients of social assistance, from November 18, 2025, the amount of 1000 hryvnias will be automatically credited to the accounts from which they usually receive their pension or social payments.

Citizens who receive their pension into a bank account and do not use "Diia" can submit a written application at the "Ukrposhta" branch until December 24, 2025.

Spending the Assistance

The received one thousand hryvnias can be spent on daily needs or important purchases. Cash withdrawal is not allowed.

Here is the list of allowed spending:

• utilities - payment for electricity, gas, water or heating;

• medications and medical supplies - in pharmacies and medical stores;

• donations for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine and charity - only to verified funds;

• books and printed materials;

• products of Ukrainian production (including those purchased at "Ukrposhta" branches);

• postal services - shipments, transfers, and other services of "Ukrposhta", including utility payments.

In 2024, the "winter thousand" could also be spent on topping up mobile accounts and purchasing train tickets, but this is not allowed now.

Payments are made according to MCC codes, so the ability to pay with "Winter Support" depends on whether the store or service provider has the appropriate code.

Spending on Food

From December 11, funds from the 1000 UAH assistance under the "Winter Support" program can be spent on food products of Ukrainian production, excluding excise goods (alcohol, tobacco).

You can purchase products with the "winter thousand" at the following chains:

• "Fozzy";

• "Silpo";

• "Fora";

• "THRASH! ТРАШ!";

• "Blizhenko".

Currently, the opportunity is available in over 1160 stores across Ukraine, and the list of points will expand in the future, but does not include online orders.

Term of Use of the Assistance

For those who registered for the "winter thousand" through "Diia", the money must be used by June 30, 2026, and unspent amounts are returned to the state.

Also, pension beneficiaries and recipients of social payments through "Ukrposhta", for whom the payment was automatically formed, will be able to spend the thousand until the end of February 2026, emphasizes the Ministry of Social Policy.

It was previously planned that the funds would only be spent during December 2025 and January 2026.

"As of December 10, more than 16 million applications have been submitted, most of which - nearly 13 million - online. Another 1.2 million people registered for assistance independently through "Ukrposhta". The "Winter Support" has already been financed for over 11.9 million Ukrainians - including payments for children. We remind that a separate application must be submitted for each child," the office noted.

This program is an important element of supporting Ukrainians in difficult economic conditions. It not only provides financial assistance but also stimulates the consumption of domestic goods, which is essential for strengthening the economy. It is likely that in time the program will be adapted to new challenges to remain relevant and effective.