Key changes from November 1: mobilization, pensions, utilities, subsidies, and rules for IDPs and refugees

Important changes will come into effect in Ukraine on November 1, 2025, ranging from mobilization rules to utility rates. Find out what you need to know about the new requirements, payments, identification, and social benefits

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On November 1, 2025, a number of important changes will come into force in Ukraine that will affect virtually everyone — from updated mobilization rules to new requirements for IDPs, social benefits, and utility rates. The government has updated the procedures for processing documents, identifying citizens, and calculating subsidies. Here is a detailed overview of what will change for Ukrainians both in Ukraine and abroad.

Mobilization: new rules for deferrals

Starting November 1, 2025, territorial recruitment and social support centers (TRSCs) will no longer accept applications for deferrals from mobilization. Now, applications will be submitted online through the “Reserve+” app or offline through any Administrative Service Center (ASC).

Through “Reserve+,” you can extend nine types of deferrals — for example, for students, scientists, people with disabilities, or parents with many children. Those who do not use the app can contact their nearest ASC, where an administrator will help them submit their documents to the TCC in electronic form.

The Ministry of Defense notes that more than 600,000 deferrals will be extended automatically, without the need to reapply. This applies to categories of citizens whose information has already been entered into state registries.

Also, starting in November, paper deferral certificates will be abolished—the official confirmation will be an electronic military registration document in “Reserve+.” It can be printed via the app or obtained at the ASC.

Pensions and social benefits: mandatory identification

No pension increases are planned for November, but certain categories of pensioners had to undergo physical identification by November 1. This applies to recipients of social assistance who were registered in the occupied territories at the start of the full-scale invasion and have not had their payments renewed since then. This also applies to persons who are not entitled to a pension, persons with disabilities, children with disabilities, and persons receiving state social assistance.

Utility rates: price stability and nuances of the heating season

The beginning of November will not bring Ukrainians price increases for most utilities. The gas tariff for 98% of household consumers will remain at UAH 7.96 per cubic meter until May 2026, according to the “Fixed” tariff plan from Naftogaz of Ukraine. Other gas suppliers will offer annual prices ranging from 7.79 to 9.99 UAH/cubic meter.

For those who use electricity for heating, a preferential tariff of 2.64 UAH/kWh will apply for consumption of up to 2,000 kWh per month.

No increase in water supply and sanitation tariffs is expected, but local authorities have the right to adjust prices depending on the region.

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Subsidies: automatic recalculation

The Pension Fund of Ukraine will automatically recalculate housing subsidies for the 2025–2026 heating season. Even households where the subsidy was 0.00 UAH in the summer will receive an updated calculation.

For families who heat their homes with solid fuel, the state has provided a discount or subsidy for its purchase. At the same time, the discount for liquefied gas or solid fuel is provided only once a year.

The subsidy will not be provided if the debt for utilities exceeds UAH 680 and has not been paid for more than three months. The exception is large families and family-type orphanages — for them, the debt threshold is UAH 4,000.

A simplified procedure applies to internally displaced persons (IDPs): debts incurred before obtaining IDP status are not taken into account.

New requirements for IDPs

By November 1, 2025, all internally displaced persons had to undergo physical identification to confirm their status and entitlement to assistance. This is mandatory for pensioners, low-income families, orphans, persons with disabilities, and guardians.

For IDPs with disabilities, a pilot project for free accommodation will be introduced, and those who have not received international assistance will be able to purchase fuel for heating with state support.

According to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the average payment will be 8,000 hryvnia, and about 32,000 households will benefit from it.

Ukrainians abroad: new conditions in Poland and rules for entering the EU

From November 2025, Poland will end its program of free housing and food for Ukrainian refugees, which has been in place for over three years. Now, only vulnerable groups — pensioners, people with disabilities, and large families — will be able to stay in accommodation centers. The state has provided compensation of 15 zlotys per day for them.

Other Ukrainians must pay for their own accommodation or find housing.

In addition, since October 12, the EU has been operating an Entry/Exit System, which automatically records every border crossing by third-country nationals. In November, the number of checkpoints with automatic recording is expected to increase. This means that violations of the terms of stay will now be easy to track, so it is worth carefully checking the dates in your visa documents.

If you have any difficulties with documents, residence status, or legalization in the EU, migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform will help you deal with any issues — from submitting applications to obtaining a residence permit.

We remind you! Ukraine has abolished the temporary procedure for extending foreign passports and adding information about children to them. Read about who exactly is affected by the changes and how to urgently replace an “extended” passport to avoid problems at the border.

Photo: Freepik

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