The Cabinet of Ministers has announced the launch of a new social program for financial support for families with children entering the first grade in 2025. According to the updated rules, each family with a first grader will receive 5000 UAH to prepare their child for school. This amount will be available this year on a special payment card.
This is reported by Finway
Conditions for Receiving Assistance and Use of Funds
The financial assistance is designated for children attending Ukrainian schools in person. However, in regions where education is conducted remotely or in a mixed format (particularly in frontline areas), first graders will also receive the payment. The funds can be spent in offline or online stores on school supplies, stationery, children’s clothing, or footwear.
According to the First Deputy Minister of Social Policy Daria Marchak, the technical implementation of the payments is expected by the end of July. Parents or guardians can contact the Pension Fund authorities if they do not use the “Diia” app or do not receive an automatic notification. The money must be used within 180 days from the date of its accrual; otherwise, any unused amounts will be returned to the state budget.
Funding and Scope of the Program
Overall, the Ministry of Social Policy estimates that about 250,000 children entering the first grade will be covered by the program in 2025. The ministry’s budget for the current year has already allocated 1.25 billion UAH for the implementation of this initiative, which allows for the avoidance of cuts to other social expenditures.
“The Ministry of Social Policy, together with other ministries, has developed a comprehensive, integrated program to support families with children. It is very important for us that every family raising a child in Ukraine feels supported, especially in life situations where they may struggle with certain challenges. This is when the state should come to their aid. The ‘School Starter Package’ program is part of a much broader state program to support families with children that we have already developed and are now preparing for government consideration,” Marchak noted.
The implementation of the ‘School Starter Package’ program is an important step in supporting families during the period of preparing children for school, especially in the face of new challenges and changes in the education system.