Social assistance upon adoption: who and how receives payments until age 23
The state compensates part of the expenses for families who adopt a child: payments apply while the child is in school and depend on the family's income. We explain the procedure, the application channels, and what you need to know to avoid losing the right to the benefit.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
December 29, 2025 · 2 min read
Why this matters
Adoption is a responsible step, and the cost of caring for and educating a child often affects a family's decision. State social assistance reduces the financial burden: payments are provided while the child is studying, but no longer than until they reach 23 years of age. The mechanics and application channels were reported to UNN with reference to the Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in Donetsk Oblast.
Who is eligible and how much they receive
The right to receive the benefit belongs to Ukrainian citizens who have adopted children, as well as to persons from among orphans and children deprived of parental care, including children with disabilities, who are studying full-time or under a dual system at institutions of secondary, vocational and higher education.
The amount of the benefit is determined as the difference between 100% of the subsistence minimum for a child of the relevant age and the family's average monthly total income per person (for the previous six months). Payments continue until the completion of the educational institution, but no longer than until the child reaches 23 years of age.
"State social assistance is provided in cases when these children study full-time or in a dual form of education..."
— Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in Donetsk Oblast (quote via UNN)
How to apply for the benefit
You can submit an application through several channels — choose the one that is most convenient and provides the fastest processing:
- Pension Fund of Ukraine service center;
- Pension Fund electronic services web portal;
- the Diia portal;
- the "Pension Fund" mobile app;
- authorized persons of the executive body of the respective territorial community;
- postal services.
Tip: check that you have all documents in advance and save electronic confirmations of submission — this will speed up the review and prevent bureaucratic delays.
Separate assistance for those released from Russian captivity
A one-time payment of 50,000 UAH is separately provided to civilians released from Russian captivity. To receive this assistance, you must attach to the application a certificate from the Joint Centre for the Coordination of Search and Release of Prisoners of War and Persons Illegally Deprived of Liberty as a Result of the Aggression against Ukraine.
Brief summary and practical takeaway
This program reduces the financial risk for families who take responsibility for a child and encourages adoption. The next task is to ensure promptness of payments and the availability of electronic services at the community level so that support reaches recipients quickly and without unnecessary obstacles.
