Despite USAID funding halt, Ukrainians continue to receive UNHCR assistance

Despite the suspension of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ukrainians continue to receive financial support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Registration for a one-time cash grant for certain categories of the population is ongoing in Ukraine since January 13, 2025. This initiative aims to help the most vulnerable segments of the population meet their basic needs.

The amount of the payment is 10,800 hryvnias per person. This amount is calculated in such a way as to cover the expenses of a person for three months - 3,600 hryvnias per month. However, the funds are provided at once for the entire period, which allows recipients to better plan their expenses. It is worth noting that no more than four such payments are allowed per family. Thus, if there are two people in a family and both meet the criteria, they can receive a total of up to 21,600 hryvnias.

All aid is transferred directly to the recipients’ accounts in IBAN format. This ensures transparency and efficiency in the provision of assistance. Payments remain available to those who meet the program’s requirements, regardless of changes in external funding, in particular, in connection with the closure of funding from USAID.

In a comment to Delo.ua, UNHCR representatives emphasized that the UN is aware of the concern caused by the US government’s announcement to terminate funding for some programs through USAID. At the same time, the UN structure stated that, together with humanitarian partners, they are constantly monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with all relevant parties in order to assess the consequences of this decision as clearly as possible.

It is especially emphasized that the announced termination of funding does not apply to life-saving humanitarian assistance. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed that the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine (UHF) continues to operate as usual. The allocated funding for UHF partners in Ukraine remains unchanged and is not subject to the financial freeze.

Thus, all partner organizations receiving funds through the UHF can continue to implement both current and planned activities without any restrictions. This allows maintaining the stability of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians in need, despite external political and financial challenges.