Understanding humanitarian cash assistance and Unified Cash Transfer (UCT)
Unified Cash Transfers (UCTs) are a type of humanitarian cash assistance provided as unrestricted and unconditional cash, meaning people can use the money based on their own most urgent needs.
In April 2026, the previous multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA) will transition to UCTs, which are designed to support households affected by the war through a harmonized and needs-based approach. Instead of one standard cash program, UCTs are tailored to different situations, such as:
- Living near the frontline (UCT 1);
- Evacuation or new displacement (UCT 2);
- Being affected by strikes (UCT 3);
- Long-term displacement and vulnerability (UCT 4).
UCTs are flexible, predictable, and time-bound cash transfers that aim to cover common basic needs linked to each situation. They are people-centred and dignity-focused, allowing households to decide how to spend the cash assistance according to their priorities, for example: food, rent, medicines, or essential items.
Is cash assistance always the same amount for everyone?
No. Cash amounts can be different because they depend on:
- Your situation (for example: frontline, evacuees, affected by strikes, and long-term vulnerable displaced persons).
- Your household size
- The type of assistance you are receiving
The goal is to provide fair support for vulnerable people with highest needs.
How is Unified Cash Transfer different from MPCA?
Unified Cash Transfers (UCTs) differ from Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) primarily in how transfer amounts and durations are defined. MPCA typically provides the same amount to everyone for three months, regardless of location or shock type. UCTs, on the other hand, provide different transfer amounts depending on people’s situation.
In short, UCTs are tailored to different living situations, whereas MPCA uses a single standard transfer value to address basic needs.
What are the main changes because of transition from MPCA to Unified Cash transfers?
The main changes are as follows:
- The eligibility criteria and assistance period have been revised for frontline hormadas or Ukrainian-Russian border. Now the cash assistance is determined by using the vulnerability scorecard, with priority given to households with the highest level of needs.
- The cash assistance amount for households affected by strikes or evacuation has been adjusted. Currently, the cash assistance amount is 12,300 per person, covering three months.
- The eligibility criteria for areas beyond 50 km from the frontline or Ukrainian – Russian Border have been narrowed.
How is Unified Cash Transfer different from sectoral cash?
The UCT is one of the main humanitarian cash assistance programs designed to cover general, everyday needs of people affected by war. The UCT is needs-based and tailored to different situations arising from the war, including frontline areas, displacement, evacuations, and humanitarian needs after a strike. The amount and duration may be different for different groups, depending on their situation.
Sectoral cash is linked to a specific humanitarian sector or services, such as shelter, health, food, livelihoods, protection, water, and hygiene. Sectoral cash is provided together with other support, such as services or in-kind assistance.
The UCT and sectoral assistance work together to ensure people receive holistic humanitarian support. For instance, if you receive UCT and depending on your situation and need, you would be eligible for winter cash assistance or IDP NFI kits.
How is Unified Cash Transfer different from government payments or pensions?
Unified Cash Transfer (UCT) is humanitarian assistance, while government payments are state social support. Government payments and pensions are provided by the Government of Ukraine and are managed mainly by the Ministry of Social Policy. It complies with national laws and social protection regulations.
UCT is provided by UNHCR in response to war-related needs and is usually temporary. UCT is meant to complement, not replace, government support. The aim is to reduce vulnerability of war-torn people.
What will happen to the Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA)?
Instead of the previous Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), there will now be Unified Cash Transfers (UCTs), organized around reducing vulnerability by providing humanitarian cash assistance to four common situations people face because of the war in Ukraine.
What documents do I need to apply?
This depends on your situation, but commonly requested documents include:
- Identity document (passport or ID);
- Tax ID;
- IBAN or bank card number (never give CVV code);
- IDP certificate or evacuation documents (if applicable);
- Documents confirming vulnerability (if applicable);
- Mobile number.
What document do I need to show to qualify for Unified Cash Transfer for people who evacuated?
UNHCR partner may ask you questions and request documents to verify your eligibility for humanitarian assistance after leaving your home due to danger or attacks.
Your evacuation may be verified through evacuation or movement lists, IDP certificates, registration with local authorities or humanitarian organizations, or confirmation from local authorities and community leaders.
If you lost documents, you could still consider if your displacement is confirmed.
Can Ukrainian return from abroad receive Unified Cash Transfer?
Yes, vulnerable persons who were forced to leave Ukraine after February 24, 2022, and have returned to Ukraine from abroad in the last 12 months and have continuously remained in Ukraine for at least three months may be eligible for Unified Cash transfer.
Selection is based on vulnerability and living conditions, not solely on return status. Your household will be assessed by UNHCR or UNHCR partner based on the ability to meet basic needs due to the war.
Unified Cash Transfer is provided to reduce the need to resort to harmful coping strategies.
Can Ukrainian internally displaced persons who returned to their places of permanent residence in Ukraine receive Unified Cash Transfer?
Yes, vulnerable internally displaced persons who have returned to their permanent residence location in the last 12 months and have continuously remained in their permanent residence location for at least three months may be eligible for Unified Cash transfer.
However, priority is given to households with the highest needs. Selection is based on vulnerability and living conditions, not solely on return status. Your household will be assessed by UNHCR or UNHCR partner based on the ability to meet basic needs due to the war.
Unified Cash Transfer is provided to reduce the need to resort to harmful coping strategies.
Who cannot receive Unified Cash Transfer, and why?
Not everyone who applies will be able to receive assistance. Humanitarian organizations try to support those with the most urgent needs first.
Because resources are limited, some people may not be selected if others are assessed as being in a more difficult situation at the time. You may also not be eligible if your household has already received similar assistance during the same period.