How Housing Subsidies Are Calculated in Ukraine: Key Norms and Rules
Ukrainian families facing financial difficulties and unable to cover utility expenses on their own have the opportunity to apply for state assistance in the form of housing subsidies.
However, it is crucial to understand the rules governing how these subsidies are calculated, what standards are used, and the relevant norms in place.
The publication ‘Na Penziyi’ explains the detailed process of determining the subsidy amount, along with current social standards to ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings.
Notably, the size of the subsidy is not based on actual spending but rather on predefined social norms established by the government.
For instance, the normative housing area is set at 13.65 square meters per person plus an additional 35.22 square meters per family.
Consequently, if an individual lives alone, the subsidy calculation is based on 48.87 square meters; with two residents—62.52 square meters; and for three people—76.17 square meters.
Single non-working pensioners can have this norm increased by 30%, which accordingly adjusts the subsidy amount.
Besides housing square footage, standards for water supply and sewerage are also specified: for households with hot water, the norm is two cubic meters of cold water per person per month; without hot water — 3.6 cubic meters.
The sewerage norm similarly stands at 3.6 cubic meters per person monthly.
When it comes to heating and gas supply, separate standards are applied; for individual gas heating—4 cubic meters of gas per square meter of heated area; for electric heating—30 kWh per square meter.
Subsidy calculations for gas supply depend on how the household uses gas appliances: if using a gas stove and hot water—3.3 cubic meters per person per month; without hot water—5.4 cubic meters; and with a stove plus water heater—10.5 cubic meters.
Electricity norms are based on government-approved tariffs: 70 kWh per month for one person, plus 30 kWh per additional family member, capped at 190 kWh; for households with electric stoves and hot water—110 kWh for one person, plus 30 kWh per additional member, up to 230 kWh; and without hot water—130 kWh plus 30 kWh per extra family member, with a maximum of 250 kWh.
It is important to remember that if consumption exceeds these social norms, the excess must be paid out-of-pocket, which will also be considered during the subsidy calculation.