Ukraine launches new social programs and digital reforms in August 2025: what changes for families, pensioners, and teachers
From August 1, 2025, Ukraine launched the “School Starter Pack” program a new step in social policy, designed to support families sending their children to first grade. For the first time, the state is providing 5,000 hryvnias per first-grader funds that can be used for school clothing, shoes, stationery, backpacks, and other essential items.
Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych emphasizes:
“Our goal is to make the start of school more accessible and easier for every family. No more collecting certificates everything is automatic through Diia or a visit to the Pension Fund office. The money is transferred directly to the parents’ card.”
Applications can be submitted in the Diia app or in person at any Pension Fund service center. The program is open to all whose child is officially enrolled in first grade in 2025. Applications are accepted until November 15, and the payout is guaranteed.
Why this matters: in recent years, the cost of a basic school kit has grown significantly. For most families with children, the “School Starter Pack” is not just a handout it is a clear signal that the state is moving from symbolic gifts to meaningful material support.
Pension and Social Assistance in August Who Will Receive More
August also brings additional payments for pensioners. The state is revising benefit amounts for several groups:
- Certain groups of pensioners are receiving a one-time or monthly supplement according to new standards of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
- In August, the Verkhovna Rada is preparing to consider a bill that would increase the one-time birth payment to women from 10,000 to 50,000 hryvnias. This is a radical move to offset rising costs for newborn essentials.
Comment from the parliamentary committee:
“Today’s demographic situation requires bold decisions. Raising the one-time maternity payment is not just a number, but a matter of survival for many young families who hesitate to plan children during wartime.”
New Digital Procedures Secure Tickets and Automatic Verification
Another example of digital innovation is Ukrzaliznytsia. Starting August 1, key train routes now require ticket verification through Diia.Signature in a pilot program. This means you can buy or return a ticket for trains such as Kyiv-Uzhhorod, Lviv-Odesa, or Kyiv-Chop only with electronic identification.
The aim is to fight ticket scalping, reduce fake purchases and returns, and increase passenger security overall. Paper tickets remain available at some ticket offices, but more and more services are moving to a digital format.
Ukrzaliznytsia comments:
“For the first time in Ukraine, we are implementing large-scale digital identification in passenger transport. This provides extra protection for clients and helps us manage peak demand more effectively.”
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“Reserv+” Deferments: New Options for Teachers and Families with People with Disabilities
Another important change is the expansion of automatic mobilization deferments. From August 1, the “Reserv+” system allows teachers and people whose spouse has a first- or second-degree disability to quickly obtain a deferment without bureaucratic hurdles. Status can be confirmed in the electronic system or by submitting documents at an Administrative Services Center.
This is an important step for ensuring schools, kindergartens, and hospitals continue to function during war, and for supporting the most vulnerable families.
Drone Attacks and New Defense Challenges
Despite social initiatives, August also brings new security threats.
In July, Russia carried out a record-breaking attack 550 aerial targets in a single night, including more than 330 Shahed drones. According to the Air Force Command, such attacks will continue in August, and the number of drones launched could rise to 1,000 per day.
Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat stresses:
“Our defenders are learning to counter new drone types, but the load on air defense is enormous. The enemy is increasing the number of cheap decoy drones, forcing us to update our tactics almost every week.”
August 2025 A Month of Concrete Decisions and New Challenges
This August has become an example for the entire country:
- The state is moving to direct, flexible social payments, digitalization, and automation of services.
- Citizens are gaining new tools to protect their rights and support their families.
- At the same time, the war demands that we remain vigilant adapt to complex threats and seek innovative approaches to security.
All of August’s initiatives are not just temporary reactions, but part of a broader plan: to build a strong social foundation in a difficult period and to leave room for hope, even in the face of threats from the sky.
Once again, the state proves that it can combine care for its people with a mobile, modern response to danger.
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