In the state budget of Ukraine for 2026, over 740 million hryvnias has been allocated for the implementation of children’s recreation and health programs. The main goal of this funding is to support families raising children from socially vulnerable categories or those in need of additional assistance.
This is reported by Finway
State Health Programs: “Artek”, Compensation, and “eHealth”
In 2026, three key state health programs will be available for Ukrainian children. The first is free recreation at the International Children’s Center “Artek”, which operates in Transcarpathia and Kyiv region. The state fully covers the cost of the voucher, which is 24,160 hryvnias per child. According to preliminary forecasts, about 15,000 children will be able to take advantage of this program, with priority given to those from socially vulnerable groups.
“The state fully covers the cost of the voucher, which is 24,160 hryvnias per child”.
The second program is implemented through the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities. It allows children aged 7 to 18 years who need social support to receive reimbursement for the cost of recreation at a chosen institution from an approved list. After selecting an institution, the Fund directly compensates the expenses, allowing parents to choose the most convenient or specialized facilities for their children’s health.
The third program — “eHealth” — provides cash payments to large and low-income families. The amount of assistance is five subsistence minimums for children aged 6 to 18 years, which in 2026 amounts to approximately 17,560 hryvnias per child. If a family has several children of the appropriate age, the payment is calculated separately for each of them. These funds can be directed towards paying for services at the chosen recreation facility or sanatorium.
Who Can Receive State Assistance and How to Apply for a Voucher
Children from the following categories are entitled to free vouchers or compensation payments:
- orphans and children deprived of parental care;
- children of combatants and war veterans;
- children of deceased or missing defenders of Ukraine;
- children with internally displaced status;
- children from large and low-income families;
- children with disabilities who are capable of self-care;
- talented and gifted children — winners of competitions, olympiads, and sports events.
To apply for state assistance, parents or legal representatives must submit an application at the child’s official place of registration. Documents are accepted by social protection authorities, Administrative Service Centers (ASC), district military administrations, or departments of education, youth, and sports. Experts recommend preparing documents in advance and обязательно adding confirmation of the child’s preferential status to avoid delays during the application review.