What changes for Ukrainians in July 2025: social assistance, IDP status, pharmacies, travel requirements
July 2025 brings several important updates for millions of Ukrainians. Some of them concern social support, while others affect everyday life, from going to the pharmacy to planning a trip abroad. We will analyze the new rules and what you should pay attention to.
Social assistance: what has changed and what to expect
In recent weeks, the information field has often heard the thesis of a “new social assistance project” that is supposed to start on July 1. It was about payments for low-income people, single mothers, large families, and children whose parents do not pay child support. Applications, they said, could be submitted through the Pension Fund or Diia, and the maximum amount would be up to 4,500 hryvnias.
The reality is different: no new program with a fixed start date in July 2025 has been introduced. Social assistance to the poor, as well as support for certain categories of families, has been in place in Ukraine for many years. The procedure for payments is determined by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 250 of 2019, which has been updated several times, but no new project or increase has been announced since July 1.
An important point: since 2024, the technical approach to the allocation of benefits has changed: now you can apply not only at local social security offices, but also through the Pension Fund’s online services or the Diia app. The amount of assistance received by low-income people depends on the family composition and the subsistence level: for large families or single mothers, it can reach UAH 4,500 or even more. But this is not a new “maximum” rate, only individual calculations.
The main thing is that no “next wave” of support or additional project for vulnerable groups has been launched. Social assistance operates according to the old rules: you can apply both in person and online, and payments are made according to clear criteria.
“Affordable Medicines” program: for whom pharmacies should update the rules
Another high-profile news item is that all pharmacies in Ukraine are supposed to join the Affordable Medicines program, otherwise they risk losing their license. In practice, the situation is more complicated.
Starting from July 1, all pharmacies that sell medicines under the Affordable Medicines program must be connected to the electronic healthcare system (EHR). This requirement was established last year, and it comes into force this month. If the pharmacy does not join the EHR, it will not be able to dispense drugs by electronic prescription and participate in the reimbursement program.
However, this does not mean that absolutely all pharmacies in Ukraine have to change their work; the obligation applies only to those who work with “Affordable Medicines”. Ordinary pharmacies that do not sell medicines under this government program are not required to join and will not lose their license.
In short: starting from July 1, control over pharmacies that sell “Affordable Medicines” will be tightened, but not for all markets. For patients, this means that in most cities and towns, they will be able to get the necessary medicines only in pharmacies that are connected to the system and operate according to the new standards.
Revelant
IDPs: what is changing for IDPs abroad
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, millions of Ukrainians have become internally displaced persons (IDPs). The state guarantees financial assistance for this category, but since July, control over compliance with the criteria has been tightened. According to the current resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, if an IDP stays outside Ukraine for more than 90 consecutive days without a valid reason, the IDP status and corresponding payments are canceled. Valid reasons are considered to be medical treatment, education, business trips or other situations that can be documented. If the reason for staying abroad cannot be explained, the assistance is suspended.
How can I avoid losing my status? You need to submit official documents in advance confirming the valid circumstances of your stay outside Ukraine. If the departure is related to illness or study, certificates or invitations must be submitted to the social security authorities. The changes are aimed at preventing abuse: the system should identify real recipients of support, not those who have long left and do not live in Ukraine.
Traveling abroad: what you need to know about insurance and a green card
July is a traditional vacation season, and for many Ukrainians it means traveling abroad. Every year the rules change, and in 2025 there are new nuances.
First, if you plan to travel by car, a green card is required. Starting in January 2024, it will no longer be possible to obtain it directly at the border; you need to take care of the insurance in advance, otherwise the car will not be allowed to leave Ukraine.
Second, travel insurance (medical) is required for the vast majority of countries in Europe and the world. Although Ukraine does not require it for travel, border guards in many countries will not let you through without proof of a medical policy. It’s important to note that for children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses, regular insurance may not cover all risks, so it’s worth checking the conditions before you leave.
When preparing for a trip, check whether you have a green card for your car and whether your health insurance meets the requirements of the destination country. This is not just a formality, but a condition for a safe trip.
July this year does not bring large-scale revolutions in the social sphere or the system of public services, but it does introduce important changes that affect the lives of many Ukrainians. All social benefits and support for vulnerable groups remain in effect, but no new “programs” appear this month. Pharmacies that work with the “Available Medicines” program are switching to new digital standards. Control over staying abroad is being tightened for IDPs. There are clear rules for travelers regarding insurance and car documents.
The main thing is not to lose attention to detail, to check the conditions and changes in the procedure for receiving assistance or traveling abroad in time. Ukrainian legislation, as well as daily practice, is changing gradually, but each such change is another reason to check your plans with reality.
Explanation:
- Reimbursement is a mechanism of state compensation for the cost of medicines or medical services.
- EHR – electronic healthcare system.
- IDP – internally displaced person.
- Green card – international car insurance, required for traveling abroad by private transport.
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