Every year, thousands of Ukrainian families receive the so-called "Baby Box" (Pakunok Malyuka) from the state — a one-time newborn assistance that can be provided either as a set of essential items or as a monetary compensation. In 2026, the payment amount is 8,451 hryvnias, and the rules for using the funds have undergone significant changes: the list of goods and services for which the compensation can be spent has been expanded, and the application process has been simplified through digital services. We explain what is included in the baby box, who is eligible for assistance, and how to submit an application via Diia or the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
What is Inside the Baby Box and Who is Eligible
According to the State Service of Ukraine for Children, the "Baby Box" kit includes over 80 items necessary for caring for an infant in the first months of life. All items are packed in a special cardboard crib-box, which, subject to safe sleep guidelines, can be used as a temporary sleeping place for the child. The contents of the box are periodically reviewed, so the actual configuration may differ from year to year. The parents of the newborn have the right to receive assistance; in their absence, recipients can be guardians, adoptive parents, foster parents, parent-educators, and patronage educators. The assistance is available to citizens of Ukraine, as well as certain categories of foreigners and stateless persons legally residing in the country with the child.
Two Options: A Set of Items or Money
The family independently chooses one of two options: to receive a ready-made set of items or to apply for a monetary compensation of its value. Receiving both the baby box and money for the same child is not allowed — these are mutually exclusive options. Usually, the "Baby Box" is issued at the maternity hospital immediately after the birth of the child. If the package is not available at the time of discharge, parents can contact the local social protection authority or TsNAP (Administrative Services Center). The standard deadline for applying for the kit is 30 days after the birth of the child, although separate rules and deadlines may apply for children born abroad or outside a medical facility.
Amount of Payment and Calculation Procedure
As explained by the Pension Fund of Ukraine, the amount of monetary compensation is equal to three living wages for children under the age of six, established on the date of the child's birth. In 2026, the corresponding living wage is 2,817 hryvnias, resulting in a total amount of 8,451 hryvnias. An application for compensation must be submitted no later than 12 months from the day of the child's birth — this deadline differs significantly from the 30-day window for receiving the physical box. Since July 2025, the assignment of monetary compensation has been handled by the Pension Fund of Ukraine rather than social protection authorities.
How to Apply for the Payment: Online via Diia or in Paper Form
In a clarification dated August 7, 2026, the Pension Fund reported that parents can apply for the payment either online or by submitting a paper application. For online processing via Diia, you need to use the "eMalyatko" service and, when submitting the application for the state registration of the child's birth, immediately specify the information for assigning compensation. If the birth certificate has already been obtained, parents can apply directly to the Pension Fund. On the PF_U web portal, you need to authorize using an electronic signature, find the corresponding type of state assistance, fill out the electronic form, and submit it. The Pension Fund also published a video guide on applying for compensation online. If the required information is already contained in state electronic registers, there is no need to resubmit documents, and the application can be submitted regardless of the registered or declared place of residence.
Targeted Account and Expanded List of Purchases
The compensation is transferred to a special bank account with a targeted regime of use — funds cannot simply be withdrawn in cash or transferred to any other card. According to the Ministry of Social Policy, the money can be credited to a special account at Oschadbank or to the "Turbota pro dytynu" account, into which the "Diia.Karta" is issued. In August 2026, Diia announced the possibility of opening such an account with partner banks: to do this, you need to log into the partner bank's app, issue a "Diia.Card" (if you don't have one yet), and open a special account. In May 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers expanded the list of categories of goods and services for which compensation can be directed — the changes are provided for by the Cabinet resolution of May 15, 2026, No. 617. At the same time, the possibility of payment depends on the seller's business category and the restrictions set for the special account: for accounts opened before May 16, 2026, the previous rules apply, while for new ones, the expanded list applies.
