Part of the UN payments in Ukraine is currently not being provided
Starting April 1, 2026, cash assistance from UNHCR for Ukrainians will change. From now on, the amount of payments will depend on the situation of the household.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a message from UNHCR.
Read also: How to receive payments and food from the UN in 2026: a step-by-step guide for Ukrainians
Main points:
- Change of approach: From April 1, 2026, UNHCR will abandon standard payments in favor of targeted assistance.
- New amounts: Payments of 12,300 hryvnias (for 3 months) are provided for evacuees and those affected by shelling.
- Priority groups: People with damaged housing, families of the deceased or injured, evacuees from the 50-km frontline zone, and vulnerable IDPs.
- Criteria: The decision on payments is made after assessing the financial situation, family composition, and living conditions.
- Registration: The procedure is conducted by the organization’s partner – the Charity Fund “Right to Protection.”
- Restrictions: Assistance can be received no more than twice a year; duplication of payments from different organizations is prohibited.
Previously, there was a standard payment of 10,800 hryvnias per person for three months. Now, the approach will be more targeted. However, everything will depend on the specific situation of the household.
How much will be paid
After the changes, several levels of assistance are provided:
- 12,300 hryvnias for 3 months – for people who were forced to evacuate or leave homes near the frontline, as well as for those affected by shelling;
- 1,800 hryvnias per month – for those living near the frontline (this program is not yet implemented);
- 2,000-3,000 hryvnias per month – for vulnerable IDPs who have been displaced for more than 6 months, are entitled to state assistance but cannot receive it (this program is also not yet provided).
At the same time, the organization will continue to support those who have returned home after forced displacement or leaving the country after February 24, 2022.
Who is eligible for assistance
After April 1, priority will be given to the following categories:
- people whose housing has been damaged or destroyed;
- families who have lost loved ones due to shelling;
- households with injured members or those needing treatment due to missile strikes or drone attacks;
- evacuees from the 50-kilometer zone from the frontline or the Ukrainian-Russian border;
- people arriving from temporarily occupied territories;
- vulnerable IDPs who have moved within the last 6 months from areas located within 50 kilometers of the frontline or the Ukrainian-Russian border;
- vulnerable categories of Ukrainians who have returned from abroad in the last year and have continuously been in Ukraine for at least three months;
- IDPs who have returned home and have lived there for at least three months.
How it is determined who will receive money
For IDPs and those who have returned, additional assessment is conducted. Humanitarian organizations prioritize based on several criteria:
- proximity to combat actions or the fact of displacement;
- living conditions (city or village);
- number of people in the family;
- presence of vulnerable individuals (children, people with disabilities, elderly);
- financial situation of the household.
The final decision is made after the full registration procedure, conducted by UNHCR’s partner – the Charity Fund “Right to Protection.”
Important restrictions
Cash assistance cannot be provided twice simultaneously. Humanitarian organizations coordinate payments to avoid duplication.
Exceptions are possible for those affected by shelling or evacuated. However, there is a limitation: one household can receive such assistance no more than twice within 12 months.
Thus, the new model provides for more precise support – taking into account the real needs and circumstances of each family.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on the launch of beta testing in “Diia” for applying for one-time cash assistance for military personnel. Now, payments can be processed online without paperwork, which should simplify and expedite the process for defenders.
We also reported on how often Ukrainians can receive cash assistance and food packages from the UN.
