In March this year, the Government will index pensions. According to preliminary calculations by the Ministry of Social Policy, pensions will increase by an average of 13%. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this during a Government meeting on January 12.

He noted that during the full-scale war, the Government had already carried out two indexations of pension payments. Despite all the difficulties, neither pensions nor social benefits, nor privileges and subsidies have been delayed for a single month.

"In total, social expenditures of the state budget in 2024 will amount to UAH 470 billion. This is UAH 25 billion more than last year. We provide UAH 50 billion for subsidies. This is UAH 12 billion more than in 2023. We are expanding the programme to support low-income families. We are almost doubling spending on social protection for people with disabilities. We are increasing the minimum wage. We will continue to help internally displaced persons," said Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, the budget envisages over UAH 14 billion to support Ukrainian veterans. This year, the Government will also double the funding for relevant programmes. In particular, more than UAH 2.5 billion will be allotted for rehabilitation and psychological assistance to veterans.

"At the same time, we are changing approaches in the social sphere. We continue digitalisation. We have already combined the payment of pensions, subsidies and social insurance in the Pension Fund. We are launching electronic case management. This is an approach that will allow for an individual support for Ukrainian families. All organisational processes will be simplified and automated," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Government's policy was to create opportunities for people to provide for themselves and their families. And the state will be supporting those who really need it.