New Rules for Childbirth Benefits in Ukraine: What the Government Bill Changes and What Families Should Expect
In July 2025, the Ukrainian government approved a draft law that promises the most significant reform in family support since independence. The one-time payment for the birth of a child is set to rise to 50,000 UAH, there will be new monthly benefits for mothers without work experience, the launch of the new “eYasla” program, and targeted financial assistance for preparing first-graders for school. All these measures are a response to the social challenges of wartime. But how will it actually work, what are the eligibility criteria, and who can expect this new state support?
What happened: the essence of the draft law and the government’s decision
On July 11, 2025, during a government meeting, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced:
“Today, we are approving a draft law on support for families before and after the birth of a child. First and foremost, the law provides for an increase in the one-time payment to women after childbirth from 10,300 UAH to 50,000 UAH.”
It’s not just about a one-time payment. The Cabinet of Ministers proposes a range of changes affecting different categories of families and providing a broad spectrum of social support.
Key innovations: briefly and to the point
- The birth benefit increases to 50,000 UAH
This is the main news for families: the state now plans to pay 50,000 UAH immediately after the birth of a child, instead of the current 10,300 UAH. This support should ease the financial pressure on young families, especially when expenses are at their highest. - Monthly benefit for mothers without work experience
If a woman does not have professional experience (or it’s less than a year), she currently receives less than 1,000 UAH per month. The bill increases this benefit to 7,000 UAH per month. This is important for young mothers, students, and women in difficult life circumstances. - Monthly payments to one parent or guardian for a child under one year old
The government introduces a benefit for caring for a child until the age of one. The exact amount will be determined separately by the government, but the mechanism itself is a response to the need to support families in the first months of a child’s life. - The “eYasla” program a choice for parents
From the child’s first birthday, parents will be able to choose:- either to return to work and receive 8,000 UAH per month from the state to pay for child care (nursery, nanny, etc.);or to stay at home with the child, and then the state will continue to pay their unified social contribution until the child is three.
- The “Baby Box” two options
Support for newborns will remain in two formats: either the traditional set of items, or a monetary compensation of more than 7,500 UAH. This gives families flexibility and convenience. - The “School Starter Pack” 5,000 UAH for first-graders
Starting in 2025, all parents of first-graders will receive 5,000 UAH to prepare for school. The money will be provided only in non-cash form and can be spent only on school-related goods. Importantly, this support is available only to those whose child physically attends a Ukrainian school, not for remote learning.
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Other important details and explanations
- The bill has been approved by the government but still needs to be considered and voted on by the Verkhovna Rada. So far, this is a Cabinet initiative that already has government-level support, but it still needs to go through parliament to become law.
- How to receive the “School Starter Pack” the money will be paid only to special accounts and can be spent on school-related goods (uniform, backpack, stationery, shoes, etc.), but not on smartphones or other gadgets (Ministry of Social Policy explanation).
- “eYasla” a significant step for parents who want to combine work and child-rearing. For the first time, the state offers not just cash, but systematic support for returning to work.
- Increased support for mothers without work experience means more funds for women who are the most vulnerable and have no savings.
Why did the government introduce these changes?
In wartime conditions, as birth rates drop and families face increasing pressures, the government aims to reduce demographic risks and support Ukrainians. Direct quote from Denys Shmyhal:
“We must create conditions where having a child is not a burden, and the state truly helps families in these difficult times.”
Official sources and links:
- Official website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine: New bill on childbirth support
- Ukrinform: Cabinet increases payments
- Ministry of Social Policy: Explanation on the “School Starter Pack”
- TSN: New social payments
The new bill is not just about increasing financial aid, but also about making state support for families with children more modern, fair, and targeted. Each new provision is a step toward ensuring that Ukrainian families truly feel the state is on their side. The final decision rests with parliament, but the direction of social policy is already clear.
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