Ukraine starts "Winter support" payments
Ukraine has financed the first payments of UAH 19,400 under the "Winter Support" program for residents of frontline areas. Funds have been allocated to 1,424 households.
This was reported by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.
Over UAH 27.6 million has been allocated for the first payment. The money is intended for families living in communities up to 20 km from the front line, included in the first list of the program.
In total, more than UAH 7.4 billion is allocated for payments of UAH 19,400. The program should cover over 380,000 households, home to about 1 million people.
Funding is provided by international and Ukrainian humanitarian organizations. In particular, UNICEF, the Ukrainian Red Cross, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees have joined the program. Part of the funds comes through the humanitarian account of the Ministry of Social Policy at the NBU.
Assistance is provided once per household. Families from 11 vulnerable categories living in certain frontline areas can receive it.
Recipients include households with people with disabilities, single incapacitated pensioners, recipients of housing subsidies, internally displaced persons with living allowances, large families, single mothers, families with children with disabilities, foster families, and family-type children's homes.
Applications for assistance can be submitted until October 30, 2026. Applications are accepted by Pension Fund service centers, Administrative Service Centers (TsNAPs), and local self-government bodies. Applications must be submitted in person.
The mechanism for receiving money depends on the location of the community. Residents of areas within 0–20 km from the front line can receive funds to a bank account via IBAN or through Ukrposhta. For communities at a distance of 20–50 km, transfers are provided to a bank account or via Western Union.
The UAH 19,400 can be used without special restrictions. Recipients decide for themselves what to spend the aid on—for example, heating, utilities, warm clothes, fuel, power banks, or other necessary goods.
