Verkhovna Rada Committee backs Government's bill on basic social assistance

The Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights has recommended that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopt as a basis bill No. 14051 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Provision of Basic Social Assistance,” which was drafted by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity. It provides for the transformation of five types of state assistance into one more substantial type — basic social assistance, starting in 2026.

"The pilot project is in progress, allowing us to test a new type of support in practice so that it can be fully launched on January 1, 2026. The adoption of the law will ensure consistent and successful implementation. In the new year, we will significantly intensify the implementation of basic social assistance, for which the budget provides UAH 24.4 billion," said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.

Among the main innovations introduced by the bill are:

· targeted approach: instead of several small payments, a single combined benefit will be introduced, aimed at those who need it most. The amount of the benefit will be calculated individually for each family, based on their average monthly income;

· transition period: previously assigned types of assistance will be paid until the end of their term, even if the family has not yet switched to basic social assistance;

· calculated base value: instead of the subsistence minimum as an indicator, a base value will be introduced. Its amount will be set annually by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and currently stands at UAH 4,500. 100% of this amount will apply to the main applicant, children under 18, and people with disabilities of groups I and II, and 70% will apply to other categories. For pensioners and persons who are not entitled to a pension, the percentage will be determined depending on their insurance record in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers.

· administering: the Government shall designate a separate authorized body as the administrator of basic social assistance.

It is worth noting that currently, as part of a pilot project, basic social assistance can be obtained at the service centers of the Pension Fund of Ukraine or online through the Diia application.