UNHCR transitioned its cash assistance Programme to the Unified Cash transfer (UCT) approach in April 2026. Through this approach UNHCR continues to assist vulnerable internally displaced persons, returnees and other vulnerable persons with cash assistance to enable them to meet their basic needs.
The transition reflects an evidence-based reprioritization of cash assistance priority needs across Ukraine.
The key changes under the UCT approach are as follows:
- Frontline areas (0–50 km): Eligibility criteria and the application process for households living within 0–50 km of frontline hromadas or the Ukrainian–Russian border have been revised (see UCT1).
- Households affected by strikes or evacuation: For households impacted by strikes or conflicted-related evacuation, cash assistance amount have been increased to better address urgent needs (see UCT 2 and UCT 3).
- Refugee and IDP returnees: Eligibility for refugee and IDP returnees is now based on a composite set of vulnerability criteria, rather than status alone (see Vulnerable Refugee and IDP Return criteria).
- Areas beyond 50 km from the frontline or border: In areas located more than 50 km from the frontline or the Ukrainian-Russian border, eligibility has been narrowed. Assistance is limited to households not receiving government displacement assistance and those with identified protection needs (See UCT 4).
Further information on priority groups eligible for UNHCR cash assistance is provided below.
Who is eligible, what is the assistance amount and coverage period under each Unified Cash Transfer (UCTs)?
Unified Cash Transfer 1 (UCT 1) for Frontline Response
Vulnerable people living within 0-50 kilometers of the frontline hromada or from the Ukrainian-Russian may be considered for support under the Unified Cash Transfer 1 (UCT 1). This includes vulnerable people who were displaced within last six months and live within 0-50km but did not receive assistance under Unified Cash Transfer 2 (UCT 2).
Selection is not based on location alone. Eligibility is determined by a combination of vulnerability factors and locations, with priority is given to households with the highest needs. Your household will be assessed by UNHCR partner based on the ability to meet basic needs because of the war.
UCT 1 is intended to help households avoid harmful practices such as skipping meals, borrowing money or reducing spending on health or other basic needs which could negatively affect their well-being over time.
Transfer value:
10 800 UAH per person, covering a six-month period, with the option to receive the amount as a single lump-sum payment.
Note: Please be advised that this type of assistance is not currently prioritized within UNHCR’s Cash assistance programming.
Unified Cash Transfer 2 (UCT 2) for Evacuations
People who were forced to leave their homes because of danger, attacks, or evacuation orders may be eligible for Unified Cash Transfer 2 (UCT 2).
This includes people who were evacuated by authorities as well as those who left voluntarily for safety reasons.
The support is intended for people displaced from frontline unsafe communities or temporarily occupied territories, where it is no longer safe to stay. UCT 2 aims to help households meet their urgent needs during the first months after evacuation, when conditions are most unstable. To be considered, households must register within 45 days after leaving their home due to conflict related risks.
Vulnerable households who were displaced within last six months but did not receive assistance under Unified Cash Transfer 2 (UCT 2) as evacuees, may receive assistance. However, eligibility is determined by a combination of vulnerability factors and locations, with priority is given to households with the highest needs. Your household will be assessed by UNHCR partner based on the ability to meet basic needs because of the war.
Transfer value:
12 300 UAH per person, provided as a one-time lump-sum payment, covering three months period.
Unified Cash Transfer 3 (UCT 3) for Strikes Response
People who are impacted by strikes that lead to unexpected increases in household expenses and possible income loss. These events cause significant direct or indirect harm to the household.
Transfer value:
12 300 UAH per person, provided as a one-time lump-sum payment, covering three months period.
Unified Cash Transfer 4 (UCT 4) for the Most Vulnerable IDPs
Vulnerable people who are displaced for longer than six months and who are eligible for the government’s IDP housing allowance but cannot access it. Assistance is provided based on referral and case management. UNHCR is not directly enrolling through enrolment centers.
Transfer value:
- 2 000 UAH per adult per month
- 3 000 UAH per month for children and persons with disabilities
Cash Assistance for Vulnerable Refugee and IDP returnees
Refugee or IDP returnees who returned to their permanent residence locations within the last 12 months, have remained continuously in that location for at least three months, and are prioritized through the vulnerability scorecard, are now eligible for cash assistance.
Transfer value:
3 600 UAH per individual per month, provided 10 800 UAH for three months, provided as one lump sum.
Enrolment centers.
Eligible vulnerable internally displaced persons will be interviewed by UNHCR partners in the enrolment centers to ensure that they meet the above indicated criteria. Households found themselves meeting the eligibility, may also apply for online queuing google document. The information on the appointment can be found at (r2p.org.ua). Please refer to R2P enrollment locations and select the nearest location for information on the appointment.
Enrolment centers are in Dnipropetrovska oblast, Donetska oblast, Zaporizka oblast, Kyivska oblast, Kirovohradska oblast, Mykolaivska oblast, Odeska oblast, Poltavska oblast, Sumska oblast, Kharkivska oblast, Khersonska oblast and Chernihivska oblast, Lvivska oblas, Ivano – Frankivska oblast, Cherkaska oblast, Vinnytska oblast.
What type of document do I need to have to receive cash assistance from UNHCR?
Individuals that are eligible for UNHCR financial assistance need to have the following documentation during enrollment for the assistance program.
- Tax ID number;
- National passport or other ID documents to get a correct spelling of your name;
- IDP certificate (when available);
- Bank card of the focal point (i.e. registration focal person/household focal point); The bank account must be in local currency (UAH)
- Birth certificate of your children;
- Legal guardianship or other official custody document that clarifies the relationship with the children, when applicable;
- Medical report in case of disability or disease that affects your access to services, if available.