Housing and Utility Subsidies for 2025–2026

The Pension Fund of Ukraine recently announced on its official website the recalculation of subsidies for the 2025–2026 heating season. 

What is the heating season? 

The heating season usually lasts from October 16 to April 15, when centralised heating is switched on in residential buildings to ensure comfortable indoor temperatures. In Ukraine, it typically begins when the average daily temperature remains at +8 °C or below for three consecutive days and continues until spring, when temperatures rise above this mark. 

The heating season directly affects the size and allocation of subsidies for housing and utility payments, as heating costs are included in the calculation. This automatically increases subsidy amounts since household expenses rise in winter. Consequently, most families, especially low-income households, receive larger subsidies during the winter compared to summer, when utility costs are mainly electricity and water. 

What is a subsidy and who is eligible? 

A subsidy is a form of state assistance for people unable to fully cover housing and utility costs on their own. It helps reduce the financial burden on low-income families, which is especially important given the constant increase in tariffs.  

Subsidies are calculated individually for each household based on income. For the 2025–2026 heating season, the Pension Fund will consider household incomes from the first and second quarters of 2025 (January–June 2025). 

What documents are required? 

To apply for a housing subsidy, you will need: 

• an application and an income declaration; 
• a rental agreement if you live in rented housing; 
• a copy of a debt restructuring agreement if you have arrears; 
• an IDP certificate if you are applying at your actual place of residence. 

Note: subsidies are not granted if there are outstanding utility debts. Be sure to record meter readings and the status of arrears in your rental agreement so that the landlord’s debts do not affect your right to a subsidy. 

Where and how to apply? 

– In person: 

• at a Pension Fund service center; 

• at local self-government offices; 

• at Administrative Service Centers (ASCs). 

– Online: 

• via the Pension Fund’s e-services portal; 

• through the “Pension Fund” mobile app; 

• via the Diia portal. 

When will subsidies be paid? 

If you apply by November 30 inclusive, the subsidy will be assigned from the beginning of the heating season. If you apply later, it will be assigned starting from the month of application. 

If your application is denied, be sure to consult with the lawyers of the PravoVsim platform to clarify the reason for refusal and restore your right to state social support. 

This publication has been produced as part of a project implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with funding from the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the DRC. Neither the European Commission nor the DRC can be held responsible for the content of this material.