Social support for children: Ukrainians are promised an increase in payments

In 2026, Ukraine plans to overhaul the social support system for families with children. This will include changes in both the amount of financial benefits and the periods during which they are provided, from pregnancy through the child’s start of school. The Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in the Donetsk region reported this.

The new approach provides comprehensive support for families, adapting social services to the key stages of child-rearing.

Payments during pregnancy and after childbirth

Assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth will be available to all women who do not have insurance in the system of compulsory state social insurance, including minors. In 2026, the amount of this payment will be 7 thousand hryvnias per month.

Assistance at the birth of a child

Financial support for the birth of a child will be provided to one of the parents or guardians with whom the child permanently lives. A lump-sum payment of 50 thousand hryvnias is provided for the birth of the first and each subsequent child. Parents will also be able to choose between a set of necessary items in kind (the so-called “Baby Package”) or cash compensation, which in 2026 will amount to 7,689 hryvnias.

Support during childcare

The allowance for childcare up to one year of age will be assigned to the mother or another legal representative who actually cares for the child. Payments will begin immediately upon the end of maternity leave or receipt of benefits in connection with pregnancy and childbirth. In 2026, the amount will be 7 thousand hryvnias, and for caring for a child with a disability, 10,500 hryvnias.

“e-Nursery” program

Assistance under the “e-Nursery” program is assigned to parents or representatives who have returned to work after the child turns 1 year old. This payment will begin in the month after the child’s birth and continue for up to 3 years. From 2027, the amount will be 8 thousand hryvnias per month, and for children with disabilities, 12 thousand hryvnias.

Thus, changes to the social protection system for families with children aim to improve the conditions for children’s upbringing and development in Ukraine.