Ukrainians Allowed to Pay 50% for Utilities: Who is Eligible for the Benefit.

Changes in the Utility Payment Benefit System in Ukraine

In 2024, the utility payment benefit system in Ukraine changed slightly but continues to support low-income citizens and vulnerable categories of the population, reports OBOZ.UA. Citizens whose family income per capita over the past six months does not exceed 4240 UAH are eligible for benefits. In 2024, this amount was increased to cover more families in need of support. Those with incomes exceeding this amount do not receive benefits, but some still might get a discount on utility services.

In the following cases, there is a right to benefits:

• individuals with special merits before the state and their family members (100% benefit)
• retirees who worked as teachers, medical workers, pharmacists in rural areas or towns (100% benefit)
• employees of cultural institutions and museums in rural areas (100% benefit)
• large families and family-type orphanages (50% benefit)
• families of fallen military personnel or civil protection service workers (50% benefit)
• individuals affected by the Chernobyl disaster, including family members of deceased liquidators (50% benefit)
• war participants and others affected by Nazi persecutions (50% benefit)
• children of war (25% benefit)
• combatants (75% discount on housing and utility payments)

Services Covered by Benefits

According to the Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 389 dated June 4, 2015, benefits extend to a wide range of housing and utility services. This includes housing payments (rent, maintenance fees for buildings and adjacent territories, management of apartment buildings), utility services (supply of cold and hot water, sewage, heating supply, electricity, natural gas, including its transportation and distribution, centralized heating, garbage disposal), as well as payments for solid fuel and liquefied gas.

Benefit Application Process

Since December 1, 2022, the benefit application process is handled by the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU). Citizens can apply for benefits in several ways: online via the electronic services web portal of the Pension Fund, by contacting one of the PFU branches or a Center for the Provision of Administrative Services (CPAS), or through authorized individuals of the territorial community. In September 2024, some citizens will need to reapply to the PFU to confirm their right to housing subsidies. This does not apply to most individuals, who will continue to receive benefits without additional applications.

Since January 2023, utility payment benefits are provided exclusively in monetary form. This means that beneficiaries receive funds into their accounts and pay utility bills in full by themselves.