Purchase of alcohol and tobacco with social cards now prohibited

Starting from February 1, it will be prohibited to use social cards for payments related to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Additionally, businesses will no longer be allowed to accept payments for these products via social cards. This change is outlined in the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution “On Measures to Introduce the 'Social Card' System for Social Support of the Population,” adopted on December 27, 2024.  

According to the Resolution, as of January 1, 2025, new social payments will be disbursed through the social card. Additionally, recipients of these new payments will have all previously assigned social benefits paid through their social card.  

Key changes from February 1, 2025

- Funds allocated for the purchase of rehabilitation equipment (up to 30% of the basic calculation amount, as per an approved list) will be transferred to the social cards of eligible individuals in need of such equipment.  

- Family members receiving social benefits (excluding pensions) paid through the social card, as well as those registered as low-income in the "Unified Register of Social Protection" system, are prohibited from using social cards to pay for alcohol or tobacco products. Businesses will also be prohibited from accepting payments for these items via social cards.  

Starting from April 1, 2025, the social card will also function as a transport card. This will include preferential transportation rates for public transport within the urban areas, as defined by relevant legislative acts.  

The transport card feature will be integrated through the “Automated Payment System Operator” LLC to streamline the payment process for public transport services.