Reform of welfare benefits includes freezing subsistence minimum for Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian refugees in Czechia will likely no longer see increases in their subsistence support. A law accompanying the reform of social benefits proposes freezing the minimum living allowance for people under temporary protection. The Senate is expected to debate the bill soon. According to the Ministry of Labour, around 400,000 Ukrainians currently live in the country under temporary protection. In January alone, they received over 52,000 humanitarian payments, amounting to CZK 784.4 million. The proposal to cap the minimum was introduced by MPs from Civic Democratic Party and TOP 09, who argue it prevents disproportionate increases in aid.