A new social benefit is being introduced in Ukraine: who will be eligible for payments
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted draft law No. 15094 in principle, which provides for a new form of state support – basic social assistance.
The initiative aims to change the approach to payments for low-income citizens and create a more unified system of social support.
The bill was passed at first reading by 235 MPs.
Who will be eligible for assistance
Basic social assistance is proposed to be provided to low-income families upon application.
One of the key conditions is that the family must opt out of other forms of state assistance. This includes, in particular, child benefits for single mothers, support for large families, and assistance for children whose parents evade paying maintenance or are unable to support the child.
In other words, the new benefit is intended to replace some of the current fragmented payments and function as a single, comprehensive support mechanism.
Can it be combined with other benefits?
The draft law provides that basic social assistance can be received simultaneously with payments for people who have reached retirement age but do not have sufficient insurance contributions to qualify for a pension.
This is a separate category of citizens who have formally reached retirement age but cannot receive a pension due to a lack of the required contribution history.
How the amount of payments will be determined
The amount of the basic amount is to be determined by the State Budget Law for the relevant year.
At the same time, it cannot be lower than the subsistence minimum for able-bodied persons.
For families, it is proposed that the basic amount be set at 100% for the first family member – the authorised representative – and 100% for each subsequent family member.
For other persons with disabilities, the amounts are to be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
What will basic social assistance include
Basic state social assistance is intended to become a unified and comprehensive form of support for low-income families.
It will include an individual assessment of the needs of low-income households and the development of individual plans for the provision of social services based on this assessment.
Targeted comprehensive support for families is also envisaged – in the form of both payments and social services tailored to their individual needs.
A separate component comprises measures for able-bodied benefit recipients. These are designed to encourage them to return to the labour market and achieve financial stability for their families.
What happens next
As the bill has only passed its first reading, the document must undergo further consideration in the Verkhovna Rada before the new support scheme can be launched.
After that, the final rules, payment amounts and the procedure for their allocation will depend on the final version of the law and government decisions.
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