Time encourages beneficiaries to take risks: who may lose part of their utility assistance?

Housing subsidies remain a crucial source of support for many Ukrainians, even during the summer months when utility costs are typically lower. However, there is a risk that some recipients may lose part of the subsidy, as the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) has warned.

Since May, the Pension Fund has begun considering new applications for subsidies for the period until April 30, 2026. In particular, assistance has started to be assigned for the non-heating period, which will last until September 30, 2025.

Most people will receive an automatic extension of subsidies if there have been no changes in their situation that could affect the amount of the payment or their eligibility for assistance.

However, some Ukrainians will have to submit a new application and declaration. This applies to the following categories of citizens:

persons living in rented housing;

Families that include internally displaced persons;

Households that have fewer people than officially registered;

Citizens who need subsidies for the purchase of liquefied gas or solid, liquid fuel.

The Pension Fund strongly recommends not delaying the submission of documents, as the deadlines are of great importance. Applications submitted within two months after the start of the non-heating season will allow receiving a subsidy from the beginning of the season, that is, until June 30. If the documents are submitted after June 30, the payment of the allowance will begin from the date of the application, resulting in a loss of payments for at least two months.

It was previously noted that in the event of a refusal to provide a subsidy or benefits, an alternative option is available for cash assistance with utility services. The Verkhovna Rada’s proposals on exempting Ukrainians from paying for utility and housing services were also discussed. The possibility of canceling subsidies was also addressed, about which the Pension Fund issued a warning.