From the start of August 2026, a number of changes will come into force in Ukraine relating to social benefits, pensions, military registration, housing support for internally displaced persons and business regulations. Some of the new measures will come into force on 1 August, whilst others will take effect on 2–3 August or later in the month.
Briefly about the main points
- Martial law and mobilisation have been extended until 31 October 2026.
- The conditions for obtaining housing vouchers for internally displaced persons are changing.
- Certain periods during which the Unified Social Tax (UST) was not paid may be counted towards the insurance record.
- Veterans and the families of those who have died will receive payments in time for Independence Day.
- Parents of Year 1 pupils will each receive 5,000 hryvnias.
- Any unused balances from certain state benefits will be returned to the budget.
- The price of electricity for households remains at 4.32 UAH per kWh.
- New requirements for cosmetic products will come into force on 3 August.
Martial law and mobilisation will remain in force until 31 October
From 05:30 on 2 August, martial law and general mobilisation in Ukraine are being extended for a further 90 days — until 31 October 2026.
For most citizens, this does not entail any specific new restrictions. The current rules on mobilisation, military registration, travel abroad and the granting of deferrals remain in force. The relevant laws have been published on the Verkhovna Rada’s website: on the extension of martial law and general mobilisation.
A separate change applies to young men born in 2009. After 31 July, they will no longer be able to enlist for the first time military registration via «Reserve+» until the age of 18. To do this, you must apply in person at the Territorial Recruitment Centre and the Military Registration and Enlistment Office. Once you reach the age of majority, registration may take place automatically on the basis of data from state registers.
New terms and conditions for housing vouchers for internally displaced persons
From 1 August, the conditions for issuing housing vouchers to internally displaced persons from the temporarily occupied territories will change. The face value of such a voucher is 2 million UAH.
The grant can be used to purchase a home, invest in its construction or pay the initial deposit on a mortgage. The government has also allowed the voucher to be combined with the «eOselya» programme.
At the same time, eligibility for assistance has been restricted. A voucher will not be issued if the applicant, their husband or wife, or their minor children have, since 24 February 2022, sold or gifted their home, have already benefited from state mortgage support, or have registered their place of residence in the occupied territory following its seizure.
The new restrictions will not apply to people who have already received a voucher or submitted an application before the amendments came into force. The conditions are set out in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 723.
Insurance contributions will be credited in accordance with the new rules
From 2 August, when determining eligibility for pension It will be possible to take into account periods of official employment for which the employer has calculated but not paid the single social contribution.
To this end, the employer must submit a report on the calculation of the Unified Social Tax (UST) in an amount not less than the minimum insurance contribution. The change will help people who, due to the company’s arrears, did not have sufficient length of service to qualify for a pension.
At the same time, unpaid contributions will be taken into account when determining eligibility for a pension, but not when calculating the amount of the pension. In 2026, to retire at the age of 60, a person will need to have at least 33 years of insurance record. The new provision stipulates that Act No. 4851-IX.
Payments to mark Independence Day
In August, war veterans, family members of fallen defenders, and other specified categories will receive a one-off payment to mark Independence Day.
The amounts are as follows:
- 3,100 UAH — for people with Group I war-related disabilities and those with outstanding services;
- 2,900 UAH — for people with Group II war-related disabilities;
- 2,700 UAH — for people with Group III war-related disabilities;
- 1,000 UAH — to combatants;
- 650 UAH — to family members of fallen male and female defenders and to certain family members of deceased veterans;
- 450 UAH — for war veterans and other specified categories.
Pensioners, recipients of benefits and those entitled to concessions who are not in active service will have the money credited to them automatically. Other recipients may, in certain cases, need to contact the Pension Fund. The detailed procedure has been published by PFU.
«School starter pack»: 5,000 UAH for each Year 1 pupil
Parents or legal guardians of children enrolled in Year 1 for the 2026/2027 academic year are eligible to receive a one-off payment of 5,000 UAH per child.
Applications can be submitted via «Diyu» or at a Pension Fund service centre by 1 November. Before doing so, the school must enter details of the child’s enrolment into the AIKOM system.
The funds may be spent on stationery, books, children’s clothing and footwear. The grant must be used within 180 days of it being credited to your account.
What will happen to «National Cashback»?»
From 1 August, any unspent funds remaining from certain previous government programmes, in particular the «Winter Thousand» scheme, will be returned to the state budget.
The «National cashback»The service is still running. Cashback payments for May and June are expected in August. The maximum amount payable is 3,000 UAH per month.".
The new payments can be used for utility bills, Ukrainian medicines, books and goods from programme participants, postal services or charitable donations.
Tariffs for households will largely remain unchanged
From 1 August, Ukrenergo’s tariff for electricity transmission via the main grid will increase by 25% to 928.45 UAH per MWh, excluding VAT. However, as this tariff is paid by suppliers and large consumers, the increase does not automatically mean higher bills for the general public.
The fixed electricity price for domestic consumers remains at 4.32 UAH per kWh until at least 31 October 2026. Naftogaz’s base tariff also remains unchanged at 7.96 UAH per cubic metre.
New requirements for cosmetics
The transition period for the implementation of the measure ends on 3 August Technical Regulations on Cosmetic Products, harmonised with EU standards.
Before being placed on the market, new cosmetic products must undergo a safety assessment and electronic notification. The manufacturer or importer must also designate a person responsible for the product and confirm the composition and correct labelling.
Cosmetics placed on the market before 3 August will be allowed to be sold until their expiry date, but no later than August 2030. Therefore, the familiar products are not expected to disappear from the shelves straight away.
