Hungary Plans to Reduce Social Support for Ukrainian Refugees

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Hungary Plans to Reduce Social Support for Ukrainian Refugees

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the possibility of reducing the amount of social assistance for Ukrainian refugees. According to him, Ukrainians currently receive more support than unemployed citizens of Hungary.

This is reported by Finway

Hungarian Government’s Position on Refugee Assistance

Orban emphasized that after the onset of the full-scale war by the Russian Federation, Hungary accepted thousands of Ukrainian citizens and provided them with comprehensive support. However, he stated that further funding may be reviewed to equalize the levels of assistance for Ukrainians and Hungarians.

“If a Hungarian citizen receives unemployment benefits for three months and then must participate in public works, then, my dear Ukrainian friend, you can receive the same amount,” Orban said.

As of August 2025, about 40,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection status in Hungary.

Comparison of Social Support in EU Countries

The level of assistance for Ukrainian refugees varies significantly across different European Union countries. For example, in Germany, Ukrainians are entitled to the same social benefits as local unemployed individuals, which amounts to €563 per adult per month. In Hungary, the amount of assistance is about €55 per month. In Poland, there are no long-term cash benefits for refugees; however, adults receive a personal identification number that allows them to work, study, and access free medical care. The highest amounts of social support are provided in Belgium, at around €1,300 per month.