On 10 December, the Government launched payments under the Government's Winter ePidtrymka programme. In total, 1.8 million adult Ukrainians will receive assistance under the programme on 10-11 December, and payments will be made for 520,000 applications submitted for children.

Payments under the programme are made within 10 working days from the date of application.

"The enemy does not give up its intention to cause suffering to Ukrainians. Through the Winter ePidtrymka programme, the Government provides assistance to citizens in difficult times. For many, these funds will help them survive the winter period more easily - pay utility bills, buy medicines or cover other current expenses. Those who do not need help from the state can choose not to apply or to allocate the funds to the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Numerous charitable foundations and volunteer organisations have already announced their interest in using the Winter ePidtrymka funds as donations for the Armed Forces.

As of 11 December, the number of applications reached 6.3 million, including 1.7 million for payments to children. During the verification process, about 110,000 applications were rejected due to non-compliance with the programme's conditions, including those from citizens abroad.

The main way to apply for a payment under the Winter ePidtrymka programme is through the Diia app. Citizens who receive pensions or other social benefits through Ukrposhta will receive assistance from the state through Ukrposhta.

Starting from 10 December 2024, Ukrainians can also apply for a UAH 1,000 payment under the Winter ePidtrymka programme through partner bank branches.

What can the money be spent on?

The funds received can be used to pay for utilities and medical services, education, transport, mobile communications, insurance and other services. One can also buy books and other printed materials, medicines, pharmaceuticals and medical devices made in Ukraine, which are registered in the National Cashback programme and sold in the outlets that have joined the programme. More details are available on the programme website. You can also spend UAH 1,000 on charity, donate to the Armed Forces or buy military bonds.

The funds can be spent both online and offline, but only on the specified categories of expenses. Banks will recognise the category of goods when making card payments using MCC codes. This is a code assigned by the point of sale that describes the type of business. The Winter ePidtrymka programme can only be used for non-cash payments, and cash withdrawals are not allowed.

Background information

The Winter ePidtrymka programme was initiated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is intended to provide social support to citizens during the difficult winter period. A one-time state aid of UAH 1,000 will be provided to all Ukrainians, including children, who stay on the territory of Ukraine (except for the temporarily occupied territories).

The Winter ePidtrymka project was developed by the Ministry of Economy with the participation of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Social Policy. The project participants are Ukrposhta, the technical administrator of the information system, individuals, the settlement bank and authorised banks.

More details can be found of the Ministry of Economy official website.