Future Changes in Child Support Payments in 2026: What Parents and Guardians Should Expect
As Ukrainian parents and guardians prepare for new financial challenges, the government is already working on legislative updates concerning child support amounts.
Significant increases in the living wage for children are planned, which will directly affect the amount of child support payments starting next year.
Currently, in Ukraine, child support is determined as a percentage of the established subsistence minimum for the child’s age.
According to the recently approved Budget Declaration for 2026–2028, radical changes are expected in this area, including substantial increases in both minimum and maximum child support limits.
It has been specified that in 2026, the basic subsistence minimum for children under 6 years old will rise to 2,783 hryvnias, an increase of 220 hryvnias compared to 2025.
For teenagers aged 6 to 18, this figure will reach 3,471 hryvnias, up by 275 hryvnias.
The minimum child support payment, which is set at 50% of the subsistence minimum for the respective age group, will also increase.
In 2026, it will not be less than 1,391.5 hryvnias for children under 6 and 1,735.5 hryvnias for those aged 6 to 18.
At the same time, the maximum support amount, which is 100% of the subsistence minimum, will reach up to 27,830 hryvnias for young children and 34,710 hryvnias for adolescents.
It is important to note that the amount of child support is also influenced by individual circumstances and court decisions, particularly in cases of divorce or other legal situations.
Additionally, debtors who neglect their support obligations may face penalties and fines.
These changes aim to improve children’s living standards and encourage greater parental responsibility in providing financial support for their offspring.