Thousands of households face a difficult financial challenge. The state aid program, which softened the rise in interest rates after refinancing, has officially run out. Now, commercial banks must take on the burden of supporting borrowers, but do not expect automatic help.
Why is the aid critical right now?
The end of the state program coincides with strict budget consolidation measures. In 2026, average losses will be about 376 euros in annual income due to increased taxes and health contributions (from 4% to 5%). Given that many took out mortgages at 1% and are now forced to pay market rates, the rise in housing costs is becoming unaffordable for many.
New rules: how will the bank shield work?
The new scheme will not be widespread. Banks will cover part of the difference between the old and new monthly payment amounts, but with strict limits:
The maximum aid amount remains 150 euros per month.
The program does not apply to investment apartments or rental properties, only to owner-occupied housing.
Only those whose family income does not exceed a set limit (tied to the country's average salary) will receive aid.
The situation in the banking sector is currently such that each bank is setting up its processes independently.
ČSOB
One of the first to release details. Clients who already received state aid and applied by December 1, 2025, will receive payments automatically. For new clients, the bank will determine eligibility and send offers itself. The program is valid until November 2027.
Slovenská sporiteľňa (SLSP)
The country's largest bank also promises automatic payments for existing recipients based on data from the Ministry of Social Affairs. New applications will be accepted later, and an announcement will be made separately.
VÚB and Tatra banka
Both institutions have confirmed their participation in the program but are currently in the process of intensive setup. VÚB plans to fully launch the system on May 1, and Tatra banka urges clients to wait for official communications soon.
Despite loud political promises, the actual scale of aid turned out to be more modest than predicted:
Instead of the expected hundreds of thousands, only 37,000 people used the program.
The state spent about 41 million euros (planned 64 million).
The average aid amount was 90 euros per month, which helped many stay afloat but did not fundamentally solve the problem of expensive loans.
If your mortgage has become more expensive, do not wait for a call from the state. Check the status of your application directly in your mobile app or at your bank's branch, as your family budget now depends on their internal policies.
