Official reminder: deadline — 17 December
Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko urged not to delay: the final deadline to submit applications for the UAH 6,500 Winter support for vulnerable categories is 17 December. This is direct information from the government’s official channel.
“UAH 6,500 for vulnerable categories. Today and tomorrow are the last days to submit applications”
— Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister
Who has already applied and who has received payments
According to the Cabinet of Ministers, more than 410,000 people applied for the programme, and over 272,000 have already received payments — payments began arriving on 7 December. This is a numerical argument: the programme is working, but has not yet reached all potential beneficiaries.
Where you can spend UAH 6,500
Funds received can be used within six months after being credited — for medicines, clothing and footwear. You can apply via the Diia app or at branches of the Pension Fund.
About the UAH 1,000 for everyone: scope and deadlines
The Prime Minister also reported on the progress of payments under another programme: more than 17 million Ukrainians applied for UAH 1,000, of whom 3.3 million were registered for children through Diia; about 13 million people have already received payments.
“Payments have already been received by 13 million Ukrainians. Funds received via Diia can be used until the end of June next year: for utility payments, the purchase of medicines, Ukrainian-made food products (excluding excise goods), books, as well as for charitable contributions or postal services”
— Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister
The period for using funds for applications submitted via Ukrposhta has been extended to February 2026. You can apply for UAH 1,000 until 24 December.
Practical tips — how not to lose the right to assistance
Check the accuracy of your data in the Diia app or at the Pension Fund: errors in personal information or bank details can delay the payment.
If you are a recipient of UAH 6,500, plan spending on medicines and warm clothing first; the money is available for six months, but the cold season requires swift decisions.
Context and related issues
This year’s Winter support combines old and new initiatives (a package including the UZ-3000 programme is mentioned). On one hand, it is targeted assistance for those who need it most. On the other, the programme raises questions about spending efficiency and coverage: the debate over its appropriateness continues among experts and NGOs.
What’s next
This payment is part of a broader state policy of support during a difficult heating season. Whether everyone who needs assistance will manage to apply depends on the responsiveness of local centres and the applicants themselves. If you or your relatives meet the criteria — check your status in Diia or contact the Pension Fund now.
Closing question: will the next stages of the programmes better combine targeting and speed of payments so that assistance reaches those who need it most?
