Ukraine's social protection reform to be bolstered by $880 million from the World Bank
Kyiv • UNN
The World Bank has approved the SPIRIT project for $880 million to reform social protection. The program will cover over one million vulnerable categories of Ukrainian citizens.
The World Bank has approved the SPIRIT project to transform Ukraine's social protection system with a budget of $880 million, the Ministry of Social Policy reported, according to UNN.
Details
The project, according to the report, "envisages the implementation of three key reforms":
- first – the creation of a unified system of basic social assistance instead of fragmented support programs. This is expected to ensure a "single window" principle for aid recipients and combine financial support with social services and employment through an integrated case management system;
- second – reform of social services financing. State funds, as explained, will be directed according to the "money follows the person" principle through the procurement of services from state, community, and private social service providers;
- third – modernization of the support system for persons with disabilities. This involves a transition from a medical model of disability assessment to a person-centered approach that evaluates a person's real needs and expands access to rehabilitation, assistive devices, and employment support.
The project is reportedly aimed at modernizing Ukraine's social protection system, supporting vulnerable groups, and strengthening community resilience.
It is expected to cover more than a million people, including low-income families, families with children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and caregivers.
Project funding includes a $860 million World Bank loan and $20 million in grant co-financing from the United Kingdom and Germany through the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF).
The Ministry of Social Policy expects the project to facilitate the advancement of reforms necessary for Ukraine's European integration in the areas of social policy, support for persons with disabilities, and labor market integration.