Conditions for providing partial unemployment benefits for self-employed persons

In 2025, Sole Proprietorships can receive partial unemployment assistance as provided by legislation. However, this is only possible if there has been a reduction in business activity, for example, a decrease in production volume, sales, etc.

What is partial unemployment assistance?

Partial unemployment assistance is monetary compensation for lost income due to reduced production of goods or the number of services or works provided.

The payment can be made in the form of entrepreneurial income of a Sole Proprietorship. The compensation is accrued and paid by the Fund of State Mandatory Social Insurance.

Which laws regulate receiving partial unemployment assistance?

The Employment Law and the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 702 regulate the provision and payment of assistance.

Partial unemployment compensation is not granted to unemployed individuals. It can only be received by hired employees or Sole Proprietorships in case of reduced income, for example, due to martial law.

Which entrepreneurs can receive assistance?

Partial unemployment assistance can be received by Sole Proprietorships in the following cases:

• income decreased by more than 30%;

• no debt in paying SSC (for oneself and for hired employees);

• no wage arrears to hired employees;

• the reduction in production or services is not seasonal;

• there is no procedure for termination of business activity.

How to get partial unemployment assistance?

To receive compensation from the state, you need to do the following:

• contact the Employment Center at the place of business activity;

• submit an application online through the electronic cabinet on the Diia portal;

• attach to the application documents confirming the payment of the Single Social Contribution and the reduction in activity (production, services).

What documents must be submitted to the Employment Center?

A Sole Proprietorship applies to the Employment Center at the place of business registration and provides the following documents:

• application for assistance: written in free form;

• Appendix 2, indicating the status of the Sole Proprietorship as partially unemployed;

• a copy of the order to suspend (reduce) activities;

• information about the individual entrepreneur who is an insured person;

• information about hired employees (if any) entitled to assistance;

• a certificate of SSC payment for the last six months.

After receiving a positive decision from the State Employment Service, the entrepreneur fills out and submits Appendix 4 (notification of changes in accounting data) to the Employment Center every month during the period of reduced activity.

What is the set amount of unemployment assistance in Ukraine?

The amount of partial unemployment assistance is calculated from the SSC accrual base. The amount of compensation cannot exceed 50% of the minimum wage.

In 2025, the maximum assistance amount is UAH 4,000, which is half of the minimum wage set on January 1 of the current year.

The accrual of unemployment assistance is carried out for each hour of reduced business activity. Currently, the minimum hourly wage is UAH 48 (for assistance payment — UAH 24).

What is the payment period?

The maximum payment period for unemployment assistance is 180 calendar days from the date of reduction in business activity. A Sole Proprietorship receiving compensation continues to operate during this entire period. If the entrepreneur terminates the activity while receiving monetary assistance, they will be obliged to return all funds received from the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Within what period can a Sole Proprietorship apply for assistance?

An individual entrepreneur who reduced activity after May 7, 2022, can apply for assistance within 90 calendar days from the date of suspension of work.

How can one apply to the Employment Center?

You can submit an application for partial unemployment assistance either in electronic or paper form.

Can a Sole Proprietorship reapply to the Employment Center if they were refused assistance the first time?

Yes, if there were errors in the submitted documents and the entrepreneur corrected them, they have the right to reapply.