Changes in the financial assistance program for Ukrainians temporarily living in Romania

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, about 85,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Romania, most of them women with children and grandchildren. The financial assistance program provided by the Romanian government with the support of the European Union has changed significantly in 2024. The new terms and payment mechanisms that came into force in July have affected the refugee situation, creating both new opportunities and challenges.

Changes in the assistance program

According to Government Decision No. 96/29.06.2024, starting July 1, 2024, Ukrainian refugees will receive one-time cash payments for accommodation for three consecutive months. All family members who have received the status of temporary protection have the right to this assistance. However, the amount of payments and specific conditions for their provision have not yet been officially announced by the government. This creates some uncertainty among refugees who rely on this support for their basic needs.

Problems with financing

The General Inspectorate for Emergencies (IGSU) reported that no funds were allocated for the financial support of refugees in 2024. Even the payments that people received at the beginning of the year actually extended to 2023. Government structures are currently working on allocating the necessary funds, but the dates of their arrival remain uncertain. This leads to delays in payments and increases the financial pressure on refugee families.

Social benefits and support

From July 1, 2024, refugees who received temporary protection began to be accommodated in temporary accommodation camps. In addition, they have access to a number of social benefits, including:

• State aid for children
• Minimum income
• Unemployment benefit
• Disability assistance
• Monthly payments for raising children

Those granted temporary protection status after July 1 will only be able to take advantage of these benefits after a three-month period of lump sum payments.

Preliminary conditions for assistance until July 1

Before the changes in the program, Ukrainian refugees received monthly financial support in the amount of 2,000 lei per family (about 18,000 UAH) and 750 lei per month (about 6,800 UAH) for single persons. In order to receive this assistance, it was necessary to register at the employment center or have an official place of work, as well as to enroll children in a local school. Starting from the fifth month of receiving the funds, refugees had to confirm the availability of income or belonging to preferential categories, such as disability or education.

Changes in the aid program for Ukrainian refugees in Romania reflect the complexity of the situation and the need to adapt government support to new challenges. Despite certain difficulties with financing and delays in receiving funds, the Romanian government continues to support Ukrainians, providing them with basic social benefits and financial assistance. Future changes in the program may affect the conditions of the refugees’ stay, but the government assures that it will make every effort to support them.