Who Is Eligible for Housing Subsidy and When Might Application Be Denied: A Comprehensive Overview of Criteria and Circumstances
The housing subsidy is a financial assistance program aimed at Ukrainians facing economic hardships who are unable to fully cover their housing and utility expenses.
However, not everyone qualifies automatically, and it is crucial to understand the conditions under which an application might be rejected.
This issue has become particularly relevant recently, as the procedures for subsidy allocation are becoming more stringent, with increased requirements and verification processes.
In Ukraine, there are specific reasons that allow authorities to refuse a subsidy application.
Primarily, if there is an outstanding debt for utilities exceeding three months or a debt amounting to more than 680 hryvnias (equivalent to 40 tax-free minimum incomes).
Even if debts have been paid, restructured, or challenged in court, the right to receive a subsidy may still be preserved.
Additional disqualifiers include having adult unemployed family members, household incomes below the minimum wage, or non-payment of social security contributions (except students and pensioners receiving social pensions).
Other reasons include having deposits exceeding 100,000 hryvnias or making currency purchases over 50,000 hryvnias within a year.
Moreover, debts related to alimony payments overdue by more than three months can also result in denial.
Families making excessive expenses, such as exceeding 50,000 hryvnias annually on purchases excluding medical or real estate transactions, are also at risk.
The size of the property plays a role: apartments over 130 square meters and private houses over 230 square meters are generally not eligible, with exceptions for family-type orphanages or large families.
Owning a car less than five years old or possessing more than one vehicle under 15 years of age can reduce chances of approval.
It’s also important to note that income calculations include cases where family members are non-payers of alimony or where recent expenses exceed 50,000 hryvnias, excluding medical or housing purchase costs.
In summary, applicants must adhere to these criteria and be aware of circumstances that could disqualify them, to avoid complications during the application process.