To join forces in providing financial assistance to Ukrainians from international humanitarian organisations, in August 2023, the Ministry of Social Policy, the Pension Fund and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) initiated a joint project. Its goal is to support pensioners living in the combat zone, who have low pensions and do not receive other financial assistance from international organisations.

To date, the programme has been successful, with more than 470,000 Ukrainian pensioners having already received payments from WFP in the amount of UAH 2.01 billion.

The programme has now been extended until the end of December 2024.

"We actively cooperate with international partners to provide support to those citizens who need it most in the face of limited financial resources. The joint project with WFP has become a successful example of such synergy. The project made it possible to provide assistance to the most vulnerable elderly Ukrainians who were unable to apply for it on their own," said Daria Marchak, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy.

Under the programme, additional financial assistance is provided to pensioners who receive a pension of less than UAH 3,250 and reside in the territories of active or possible hostilities (as defined by Order No. 309) and who have not received additional cash payments from international organisations and/or accommodation allowances for IDPs after 1 March 2023.

There is no need to apply for additional payments. WFP transfers funds to pensioners based on information available in the Pension Fund's databases.

"Ukraine had strong social assistance systems in place before the war, and this project is a great example of how we can use these mechanisms to support the most vulnerable in a time of need," said Richard Ragan, WFP Country Director in Ukraine. "It's not only cost-effective for us, but it's also very convenient for older pensioners to get the help they need without having to apply or submit documents," Mr Ragan added.

The programme is funded by the WFP with the support of Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the European Union and private donors. We express our sincere gratitude for their support in helping Ukrainians overcome the challenges of war.