The state guarantees payments to the bank cards of Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

In 2025–2026, the state guarantees the provision of financial payments to bank cards of Ukrainian citizens both within the country and abroad. This is a new level of social support, covering pensions, benefits, international humanitarian aid, scholarships, childbirth payments, and many other forms of social assistance. The transition to cashless accruals through the accounts of Ukrainian banks is now the key standard, ensuring speed, accuracy, and security of funds.

Who receives state assistance
The government has officially announced that all social, pension, one-time payments, as well as international humanitarian aid, will be transferred solely to the cards of Ukrainian banks. This applies to the following categories:

• Pensioners and those not entitled to a pension;
• Low-income families;
• People with disabilities (all groups);
• Internally displaced persons (IDPs);
• Large families and single parents;
• Families of military personnel;
• Orphans and those who lost parents due to war;
• Parents of newborns;
• Youth (the “YeKnyha” payment).

Payments to cards for Ukrainians abroad
For Ukrainians abroad, the state guarantees payments in hryvnia to cards of Ukrainian banks. Citizens who have been evacuated or are staying abroad can use funds through online banking, ATMs, and partner withdrawal networks in Europe.
If the card is not active or expired, banks recommend its immediate renewal to receive future payments. After entering an EU country, the recipient continues to use their Ukrainian card. International organizations (UN, Red Cross) also provide humanitarian aid through Ukrainian accounts.

One-time and seasonal payments
In autumn 2025, the following are provided:

• “Winter Support” program — 1000 UAH for each beneficiary;
• Payments for youth — 908 UAH for books under the “YeKnyha” program;
• UN or Red Cross grants — 200–250 euros per family;
• Compensation for moving or housing for IDPs.
  These funds are credited exclusively to card accounts, providing security and convenience.

Categories and amounts of social payments
Eligible persons include:

• Low-income families (from 1816.8 UAH/month and above, depending on the minimum subsistence level);
• People with disabilities — from 2361 UAH per month;
• Children — 3716–4634 UAH depending on age and status;
• Youth — a one-time payment of 908 UAH.
  Payments are calculated based on insurance record, income level, social status, and family size.

Payments via digital initiatives
Via “Diia”, it is possible to submit applications for most aid. Processing requires a passport and a valid bank card. IDPs and other eligible groups may apply remotely, receiving funds to a card account.
The national cashback program allows monthly returns from cashless purchases, promoting social guarantee digitalization and transparency of transactions.

Restrictions and nuances
All payments are made only in hryvnia. If the card is inactive, it must be replaced before applying. For those abroad, international aid is exclusively tied to Ukrainian bank accounts.
Some EU countries in 2025 limit or cut local refugee aid (e.g., Germany for arrivals after April 2025), yet Ukrainian payments are not limited by the recipient’s location.

Required documents
To receive payments:

• Passport or ID card;
• Valid bank card;
• Application via the official “Diia” app, Pension Fund, or social protection office;
• Documents confirming status (certificates, IDs, birth certificates, IDP docs, etc.).

Transparency and digitalization
The state is reforming its digital and financial infrastructure, cooperating with international partners to establish automatic payment control and user rights protection. The introduction of open banking allows combining multiple cards for one recipient and implements stronger identification methods.

Tips for recipients

• Check card expiration and renew if needed.
• Apply only through official services.
• Monitor new government decrees to optimize support receipt.
• Protect your bank and personal data.

Conclusion
The state ensures a stable, clear, and transparent mechanism for social payments to all Ukrainians, regardless of location, status, or financial situation. Categories receiving aid—low-income, pensioners, IDPs, military, youth, children—are under special attention from the government and international partners.

Author – Yuliya Popadyn, attorney in tax and customs law practice, WINNER Law Firm.
If you have questions or issues regarding choosing the optimal program, protecting recipient rights, legal consultations on international payments, appealing state decisions, or preparing documents—contact our professional team for support.