Fall 2026 in Ukraine promises to be a time of significant legislative and social changes, some of which have already been underway since September. Today, October 1, a number of new measures take effect that will affect virtually every family: from the recalculation of pensions and subsidies to mobilization rules, utility rates, and even food labeling. Some of the changes took effect on the first day of the new month, while others will go into effect throughout October. Below is a detailed overview of all the most important changes from UA.News.
Heating Season Subsidies
Starting October 1, the Pension Fund will begin calculating housing subsidies for the 2026–2027 heating season. Most families already receiving assistance do not need to reapply, as the recalculation will occur automatically. This also applies to those who were granted a zero-amount subsidy for the non-heating season. Income for the first and second quarters of 2026 will be taken into account, and for retirees, their August pension will be considered.
Those applying for a subsidy for the first time, those whose previous application was denied, and families whose household composition or social status has changed will need to apply in person to the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU). If documents are submitted in October or November, the subsidy may be granted retroactively from the start of the heating season. Applications can be submitted through a PFU service center, by mail, or online.
Electricity
rates may decrease
For most residential consumers, the electricity rate in October will remain unchanged at 4.32 UAH per kWh. The government has extended the fixed rate through October 31. However, households with properly registered electric heating are eligible for a seasonal discount: for consumption up to 2,000 kWh per month, the rate is only 2.64 UAH per kWh, and above this limit—4.32 UAH. The discount also applies to residents of apartment buildings without natural gas. The discounted rate will remain in effect until April 30, 2027.
Gas
Prices and the New Gas Year
For Naftogaz residential customers on the “Fixed” rate plan, the gas price in October will remain at 7.96 UAH per cubic meter, including VAT. The rate is valid through April 30, 2027. Gas delivery is billed separately. In the fall, bills may increase not because of a change in the price per cubic meter, but due to higher consumption following the start of the heating season.
October 1 also marks the start of the new 2026–2027 gas year, which will last until September 30, 2027. This is important for consumers because of how gas distribution fees are calculated: they depend on the volume of gas used during the previous gas year. Therefore, changes in the monthly fee are expected to take effect in January, not automatically on October 1. Also, starting October 1, consumers will receive gas distribution bills in a new format approved by the NEURC: the document must specify the service being billed, the provider, the billing period, and the amount due.
“Winter Support” in the amount of 19,400 UAH
Applications for participation in the government’s “Winter Support” program are being accepted through October 30. Vulnerable groups living in frontline areas are eligible for a one-time payment of 19,400 UAH per household, regardless of the number of residents. Applications must be submitted in person—that is, offline—through local government offices, Administrative Service Centers (CNAPs), or Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) branches. The program has received 7.4 billion UAH in funding from international humanitarian organizations.
Residents of communities in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Chernihiv regions (excluding temporarily occupied territories) are eligible for this assistance. Eligible groups include people with disabilities, recipients of disability pensions, elderly people living alone who require outside care, single mothers, large families, foster families, family-type children’s homes, recipients of living assistance for IDPs, and subsidy recipients. People will decide for themselves how to spend the funds.
Deferrals from Mobilization
Starting October 1, new rules for extending deferrals from mobilization through the Administrative Services Center (ASC) are in effect. From now on, those subject to military service with a valid deferral may apply to the ASC to extend it only when there are fewer than 30 calendar days remaining before the document expires. If eligibility for the deferment is confirmed by data from state registries and the grounds for deferment remain valid, it is automatically extended.
Pensions: Age-Based Supplements Remain
There are no plans for a general increase in all pensions effective October 1, as the main indexation took place in March. However, for some pensioners, their payments may increase due to age-based supplements: from age 70 to 75—up to 300 UAH; from age 75 to 80—up to 456 UAH; and from age 80 onward—up to 570 UAH. If a pensioner reaches the corresponding age in October, this may serve as grounds for establishing or increasing the supplement. These amounts are not added together: upon reaching the next age threshold, the existing supplement is increased. The maximum pension amount will remain at 25,950 UAH, the minimum old-age pension at 2,595 UAH, and the guaranteed minimum payment at 4,213 UAH.
Ukreximbank Ceases Processing of Pension Fund Payments
Effective October 1, Ukreximbank will cease its cooperation with the Pension Fund regarding the management of accounts for the payment of pensions, subsidies, and other state social benefits. Recipients are advised to choose another authorized bank and submit their new account information to the Pension Fund. If a person has not updated their account information, this does not mean they have lost their right to receive payments: funds will be delivered via Ukrposhta. Upon request, the Pension Fund of Ukraine can provide information on where exactly the pension was sent. Pensioners may also independently choose another bank and notify the Fund of their new account details.
New Rules for IDPs
The amount of living assistance for IDPs remains unchanged in October: 2,000 UAH per month for adults and 3,000 UAH for children and people with disabilities. Payments have been extended for another six-month period, but eligibility depends on meeting the criteria.
At the same time, a new law on ensuring the rights and freedoms of IDPs will take effect on October 22. For new cases, registration will be confirmed by a document generated based on data from the Unified Information Database for IDPs. Previously issued certificates will remain valid. The new law also provides for the creation of an electronic user account. If an IDP changes their place of residence or returns to a previously abandoned settlement, they must report this within 30 calendar days. Additionally, IDPs will be able to register as sole proprietors at their place of residence.
Food
Labeling
Starting October 1, manufacturers and importers will return to the standard rules for labeling food products and animal feed—the temporary simplifications introduced in the spring of 2022 are being repealed. Now, mandatory information must be provided in the official language, and the information on the packaging must accurately reflect the product’s actual composition, including ingredients, nutritional value, and allergens. Products labeled under the simplified rules will remain on the market until the end of their minimum shelf life.
Digitization of Debt Collection
Starting October 23, the main provisions of Law No. 4833-IX will take effect, providing for the digitization of certain stages of enforcement proceedings. Enforcement officers will be able to obtain information from banks about debtors’ accounts more quickly—this applies to locating funds, freezing them, and seizing them. Enforcement documents will also be able to specify known bank accounts and e-wallet details of the debtor. For certain categories of military personnel, protection against the forced seizure of their sole residence for debts will be in effect during martial law and for one year after its conclusion. An exception applies to residences that are pledged as collateral or subject to a mortgage.
Preparing Students for National Resistance
Starting October 1, students at vocational and higher education institutions enrolled in full-time or dual-track programs will begin training for national resistance. A course titled “Fundamentals of National Resistance” is planned, consisting of theoretical and practical components: small-arms handling skills, mine safety, and first aid. It replaces the previous model of basic military training, which required students to take a military oath. The new course does not require an oath. Students with disabilities may be exempted from practical training. However, for all others, failure to pass the final exam in the new course or refusal to take it will result in dismissal.
Ukrzaliznytsia: Fares and Rules During Alerts
The fall phase of the “3,000 Kilometers Across Ukraine” program begins on October 1: passengers will be able to use the provided kilometers for free travel on select domestic routes. The Cabinet of Ministers has also approved a new procedure for railway operations based on the level of air threat: at the yellow level, trains operate as usual; at the red level, boarding and departures are suspended, and passengers must take shelter. In addition, Ukrainian Railways is gradually transitioning to a new six-zone fare system for commuter service: up to 50 km—30 UAH, 51–90 km—55 UAH, 91–130 km — 75 UAH, 131–170 km — 95 UAH, 171–250 km — 115 UAH, over 250 km — 150 UAH. The cost of seats in open-seating and compartment cars, as well as in 2nd-class “Intercity” cars on domestic routes, will remain unchanged.
“Kyivstar” Raises Rates
Starting October 8, rates will increase for some Kyivstar subscribers. The company attributed this to rising costs for network maintenance and upgrades. Subscribers will be notified individually via SMS. Specifically, at least four plans from the LOVE UA lineup will become more expensive: “Svoboda”—from 190 to 250 UAH, “Baza”—from 200 to 250 UAH, “Svitlo”—from 260 to 310 UAH, and “Svitlo” with the “Economy” superpower—from 200 to 250 UAH.
Switch to Standard Time
On the night of October 24–25, Ukraine will switch to standard time: at 4:00 a.m., clocks must be set back one hour—that is, to 3:00 a.m. Despite all the discussions about abolishing the seasonal time change, the current rules remain unchanged. Bill No. 4201, which called for the elimination of daylight saving time, was passed by the Verkhovna Rada back in 2024, but the president has not yet signed it. By the way, most modern electronic devices will adjust the time automatically—but don’t forget to set your regular clocks manually.
Other Important Changes
Through October 30, veterans who have completely or partially lost their sight while defending Ukraine can receive up to 95,000 UAH in targeted assistance from the Red Cross to help them adapt to daily life. Also in October, some Ukrainians may receive a one-time cash payment in honor of Independence Day if they became eligible for the payment by August 24 but have not yet received the funds. They must submit an application to their local Pension Fund of Ukraine office, after which the payment should be made by November 1. The amount depends on status: individuals with war-related disabilities—from 2,700 to 3,100 UAH; combatants—1,000 UAH; family members of fallen defenders—650 UAH; and war veterans—450 UAH.
Starting October 18, updated criteria will take effect for agricultural enterprises and companies in the forestry, fisheries, and land management sectors to confirm their status as critically important enterprises. It is sufficient to meet at least two criteria, including annual revenue of 20 million hryvnias, relevant KVED codes, falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, or possessing a certain size of land holdings.
Starting October 1, the procedure for determining the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting electricity for residential consumers will change. If, at the time the disconnection notice was issued, the debt was less than half the subsistence minimum for able-bodied individuals (1,664 hryvnias in 2026), the person is not required to reimburse the costs of disconnection and reconnection. Once the reasons for the disconnection have been resolved, reconnection must take place within three business days in cities and five business days in rural areas.
We would also like to remind you that October 1 is Defenders of Ukraine Day in Ukraine. However, during martial law, holidays are not automatically non-working days, and therefore Thursday, October 1, remains a regular workday.
