Ukraine Begins Income and Living Conditions Survey

The State Statistics Service of Ukraine has announced the commencement of its nationwide survey on income and living conditions, scheduled to begin in March 2026. This initiative is part of the European Union's EU-SILC framework and is expected to collect crucial data for evaluating living standards and poverty levels across the country through June 2026.

According to the service, the survey will utilize a methodology endorsed by Eurostat, ensuring that the findings are aligned with European standards. It aims to gather objective information regarding the living conditions and financial status of families, as well as to explore the poverty levels among various social and demographic groups.

Over 18,000 households in 22 regions of Ukraine have been selected for participation, excluding temporarily occupied territories and active combat zones. Each household chosen for the survey is considered unique, and no substitutes will be permitted.

Trained officials from the statistics agency will conduct interviews, presenting official identification and credentials to ensure participant trust. Respondents can participate via personal interviews, telephone surveys, or by filling out an online questionnaire available on the official statistics website.

Participation in the survey is voluntary, and respondents' confidentiality is guaranteed. The State Statistics Service emphasized that all collected data will be anonymized and will not include personal identifiers or sensitive financial information, such as bank account details.

The results will not be utilized for tax purposes or regulatory checks. The head of the statistics service, Arsen Makarchuk, pointed out the inadequacy of administrative data in providing a comprehensive view of family life in Ukraine.

He stated that such data tends to reflect formal indicators and fails to capture the actual challenges and quality of life experienced by Ukrainian families. Thus, direct feedback from citizens through this survey is deemed necessary for a fuller understanding of living conditions in the country.

This survey follows recent developments, including the introduction of a new statistical indicator for import price indices, which will further facilitate assessments of how global pricing affects Ukraine's economy. As the nation continues to navigate complex economic circumstances, the insights gleaned from this survey may play a vital role in addressing socio-economic challenges moving forward.