The government reduced state payments to refugees in July 2023, after which people began to go into debt
Many Ukrainian refugees, fleeing a full-scale war, ended up in the Czech Republic. They receive financial assistance that includes housing costs. But there is not enough money to cover basic needs, given the high cost of renting apartments. Therefore, it is possible that from January 1, 2024, the amount of support will be revised upward.
This was reported by proukrainu.blesk.cz.
According to Marian Jurečka, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, the proposal is currently under discussion, as is the amount by which payments may be increased. However, the relevant resolution on revising the amount of financial support for Ukrainian refugees is already being prepared for consideration.
“We are preparing a government decree to increase the amount of deductions from January 1, i.e. to increase the amount of housing support. We will discuss specific amounts,” the Minister said.
He clarified that in July this year, the Czech authorities decided to include living expenses in the financial support. Funds are approved only for families whose income does not exceed the subsistence level. At the same time, rent is quite expensive, and many Ukrainians did not have enough money from the state to meet their basic needs.
Currently, the housing allowance is equal to:
- 2,400 CZK (UAH 3,891) per person per month;
- a family of 5 or more people can have a maximum of 15,000 CZK (UAH 24,321).
Non-governmental organizations assure us that their calculations are disappointing: a woman with several children will not have enough money to pay for housing and buy food, school supplies, clothes, etc.
As a result, the number of cases when refugees get into debt but cannot pay it off is increasing. In addition, families are allowed to live in state housing for free for only 150 days, after which they are evicted to encourage them to find work.
Child benefits in Poland will be increased
Earlier we told you that Ukrainians in Poland can apply for financial aid. We are talking about the state program “500+” designed for children. Until the beginning of 2024, the amount of financial support is equal to PLN 500 (UAH 4,569) for each minor child. However, starting January 1, the amount will be increased by 300 zlotys, which means that each month the payment will amount to 800 zlotys (UAH 7,311).
Both parents and guardians are allowed to apply for the subsidy, and no taxes are required. In addition, Ukrainians who are already receiving benefits do not need to apply for an extension. This will happen automatically. Under the terms of the program, the funds will be disbursed on specified dates until May 30.
It is easy to lose government support. One of the reasons for canceling is traveling abroad for more than 30 calendar days. You can also lose your money if you fail to appear at the call of the ZUS (Social Insurance Office) within three days, or if the government receives information from third parties about the return of refugees to the territory of Ukraine.
