Are you spending too much on utilities? Consider applying for a subsidy to help reduce your expenses.

In Ukraine, individuals who are unable to pay for housing and utility services on their own can seek assistance from the government. They can submit documents to apply for a housing subsidy, which will cover a portion of their utility expenses.

Eligibility for the housing subsidy is determined by certain financial and social criteria. For instance, the subsidy will not be granted to individuals who are unemployed, and are not pensioners, students, or officially recognized as unemployed. Generally, utility expenses should exceed 15% of the household's total income.

Applications for the subsidy can be submitted in person at the offices of the Pension Fund, CNAP, or the authorized local territorial council. Alternatively, one can use postal services to send the completed documents to the Pension Fund. Another option is to apply online through either an extended or simplified form. This can be done on the "Diia" portal or the Pension Fund's website. For added convenience, the Pension Fund also offers a smartphone application through which individuals can apply for the subsidy.

Once the documents for the subsidy are submitted, the Pension Fund will determine within 14 days whether the individual qualifies for assistance. The decision will be communicated within three days. If there is an error in the documents, a period of 30 days may be granted for correction. The subsidy is transferred to a bank account, and the individual can then decide how to allocate the funds for various utility payments.

Previously, "Telegraf" reported that, in addition to the subsidy for housing and utility services, individuals can also receive a subsidy for housing rent. This option will be available to internally displaced persons starting in January.