At the RSA, they told how Transcarpathians would be paid compensation for utilities

At the RSA, they told how Transcarpathians would be paid compensation for utility services and who would receive subsidies for solid fuel and liquefied petroleum gas

This was told at today’s press conference at the press center of the RSA by the Acting Director of the Department of Social Welfare Hanna Morozyuk.

"To strengthen the social protection of the most vulnerable people due to raising prices and tariffs for utilities, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dd. April 5, 2014 № 83 "On strengthening social protection under raising utility prices and tariffs" (entered into force on July 1, 2014 ) provides for provision of compensation for additional spendings for gas supply, district heating and central hot water supply services due to increased prices for these services", – Hanna Morozyuk informed the journalists.

She also told who exactly is entitled to the compensation, "Families, whose average total income for the previous six months has not exceeded the subsistence minimum for a family, which is defined as the sum of subsistence minimums for each family member in accordance to their belonging to the main social and demographic groups. A family includes persons who are registered in the house.  This subsistence minimum will be determined individually for each family, depending on the number of persons it consists of," – the head of the department said.

"Thus, on January 1, 2014, at the legislative level, the following subsistence minimums were established: for children up to 6 years – 1032 UAH; children aged 6 to 18 years – 1286 UAH; for able-bodied persons – 1218 UAH; for persons unable to work – 949 UAH" – the official advised.

She also clarified that the compensation would be calculated as the difference between the amount paid for utility services within the consumption rates (including benefits and housing subsidies) after the rise of utility prices and tariffs and the amount that was paid by the family before changes in prices and tariffs for utility services.

As for the documents that should be provided, the official listed them: "Application to the social protection office at the place of registration. The statement of the number of persons registered in the house. The income certificate of each person registered in the house, in the form approved by the order of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy dd. August 27, 2004 № 192 (excluding certificates of pension and social assistance). Passport."

Journalists also wanted to know who is entitled to subsidies. Hanna Morozyuk said: "The subsidy is appointed for the authorized owner (co-owner) of the house, the tenant of state and public housing, members of housing cooperative, the owner (co-owner) of premises on which the account was opened at the place of registration. Housing subsidies can be provided for households where the cost of utility services within the set norms exceed 10% of the family’s average monthly income (for families consisting of disabled persons and families with minor children or I or II Group disabled whose monthly income per person does not exceed the subsistence minimum) or 15% (for families with able-bodied members)."

"To receive housing subsidies – Hanna Morozyuk said – you should contact the Department of Labour and Social Welfare at the place of your registration. In rural areas, the application with necessary documents for receiving subsidies are accepted by authorized persons appointed by executive bodies of village councils."

She also listed the documents to be provided: an application, a declaration of income and property status of persons registered in your house, income certificates of each person registered in the house (in the prescribed form, exept for certificates of pension and social assistance).

Today, it is expected that approximately 1.5 million families throughout Ukraine will be entitled to receive subsidies. As for Transcarpathia, this year 6000 families are eligible to subsidies for utility services (light, water, etc.) and 7000 families are eligible to subsidies for solid fuels and liquefied petroleum gas. But, by the beginning of the new heating season, 20% increase in low-income families in need of subsidies for electricity is projected.