The Government is introducing new programmes to support Ukrainian families, as well as expanding and adapting existing ones. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on 3 December. 

According to him, there are currently eight programmes under the Winter Support initiative of the President and the Government that Ukrainians can use. In particular, this is the Winter ePidtrymka programme, which provides for the payment of one thousand hryvnias for all citizens. According to Denys Shmyhal, 4 million applications for this assistance have already been received through Diia. This week, payments will be available through Ukrposhta. Funds will also be paid through partner banks. 

"A prerequisite for receiving the Winter ePidtrymka is to stay in Ukraine. In this way, we support those who stay to live and work in our country," the Head of Government noted. 

Subsidies are available, as the second programme of the Winter Support. They are affordable to anyone who needs help paying utility bills. In addition, payments of up to UAH 21,000 for firewood and coal have been introduced for frontline communities. In addition, as the Prime Minister noted, the support for Ukrainian families in the winter period also includes unchanged tariffs. Thus, no increases in gas, heat and electricity prices are planned until the end of the heating season. 

"Another programme is the Teacher's Supplement. Starting in January, every teacher will receive an additional payment in the amount of at least UAH 1,000. From September, this amount will increase to UAH 2,000," said Denys Shmyhal. He added that the Government also cares about students. Next year, free hot meals, which are currently provided to grades 1-4, will be provided to all schoolchildren. 

The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of the Affordable Medicines programme, under which Ukrainians can already receive more than 500 different medicines for free or with a small surcharge. By the way, a Mobile Pharmacy and free delivery of medicines through Ukrposhta are available for remote villages and frontline communities. 

According to the Prime Minister, an important part of the Winter Support is assistance to IDPs. It includes monthly payments, compensation for accommodation and employment, preferential housing loans, arrangement of temporary housing, adaptation services, etc. Starting next year, IDP families will also be eligible to apply for a rental subsidy.

The eighth Winter Support Programme is called the Warm Winter. In December 2024, every low-income family, as well as IDP families with children or adults with disabilities of the first group, will receive UAH 6,500 per each child. 

"These Winter Support programmes are not the end of the story, and we will be adding and expanding this initiative in the near future. More support for every person, for every family, for all Ukrainians," said Denys Shmyhal.