Some benefits are automatically implemented, but to receive other types of support, one needs to contact the appropriate institutions
Ukrainian defenders and their families are entitled to a range of benefits from the state. In addition to free medical treatment and free transportation, legislation provides for other forms of support for military personnel. Additionally, specific benefits and payments are established by local communities.
“Kashтан NEWS” explains what assistance military personnel and their relatives can receive in Kyiv and beyond.
Utility Discounts
According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans, Guarantees of Their Social Protection,” combatants are entitled to a 75 percent discount on utility payments within the norms established by current legislation (21 sq. m of total living space per person who permanently resides in the residential premises (building) and is entitled to a discount, plus an additional 10.5 square meters for the family), as well as for the purchase of solid fuel and liquefied gas.
To receive this benefit, the following documents must be provided:
- combatant certificate;
- passport;
- identification code;
- if the documents are submitted by a family member of the serviceman or their representative, they must include documents confirming the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) or the legitimacy of representing the interests of the beneficiary.
Additionally, it is necessary to write two applications: one for entering information into the Register of Persons Entitled to Benefits, and another for providing benefits for utility payments.
The entire package of documents, along with the applications, can be submitted in three ways:
- Contact in person:
- to the nearest service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine (regardless of registration or residence);
- to the nearest CNAP;
- to rural, settlement, and city administrations, as well as to the administrations of territorial communities.
- Send the documents by mail to the Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in the area where you reside.
- Send scanned copies of the documents via the electronic services portal of the Pension Fund or through the “Diia” portal (a qualified electronic signature is required, which can be obtained at any accredited certification center).
Moreover, servicemen who have become persons with disabilities during their service, their families who are dependent on them, as well as the families of fallen defenders are also entitled to the utility discount. In these cases, the discount will amount to 50 percent. A 100 percent benefit for utility payments is granted to individuals who have become disabled as a result of the war.
To implement the benefits, one must first fully pay for the utility services. After this, the Pension Fund will refund the appropriate percentage to your account.
0 Loans
According to paragraph 15 of Article 14 of the Law of Ukraine “On Social and Legal Protection of Servicemen and Their Families,” during a special period, servicemen are exempt from paying interest on bank loans. Please note: the principal of the loan still needs to be repaid; however, the bank has no right to impose penalties for late loan payments.
To inform the bank that you are entitled to this benefit, you need to contact the bank branch and provide confirming documents:
- a copy of the military ID with the appropriate service mark;
- a copy of the call-up notice for military service;
- a copy of the extract from the order or certificate of enrollment in the military unit.
Additionally, under the law “On Consumer Lending,” during the martial law period and for three months after its conclusion, financial institutions and collection companies are required to adhere to ethical behavior with consumers from protected categories who have overdue debts. Protected persons include servicemen, individuals who have become persons with disabilities during military service, and family members of military personnel who were killed, died, went missing, or are in captivity.
If you belong to one of these categories and do not wish to receive any reminders about the need to make the next loan payment, you should notify your lender or collection company, providing copies of confirming documents.
1 Cash Assistance for Servicemen Signing Their First Contract
Upon signing their first contract, servicemen receive a one-time cash assistance. In 2024, it will be paid as follows:
- to servicemen accepted into the ranks of private personnel (24,224 UAH);
- to servicemen accepted into the ranks of sergeants and petty officers (27,252 UAH);
- to servicemen accepted for military service under contract as officers (30,280 UAH).
This assistance is not paid to:
- privates who, during their service under contract, signed a contract to serve in positions of sergeants and petty officers;
- persons of the sergeant and petty officer ranks who, during their service under contract, were accepted for military service under contract as officers;
- officers who voluntarily expressed a desire to serve under contract during their regular military service;
- if the serviceman continues service under a new contract;
- if the individual has already been discharged from military service under contract and then reaccepted;
- individuals discharged from military service under contract from other military formations established in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, as well as from law enforcement agencies.
2 Capital Payments
In Kyiv, one-time cash assistance is provided to both contractors and those mobilized in the capital after December 1, 2023. The assistance is credited to the “Kyiv Resident Card” or a social (salary) account.
Recipients of the assistance must provide the following documents to the TCC:
- a copy of the passport;
- a copy of the identification code;
- a bank statement/extract regarding the opening of a social (salary) account.
The amount of one-time assistance for mobilized individuals and those who signed their first contract in the capital is 30,000 UAH.
Additionally, a one-time payment of 45,000 UAH may be granted to Kyiv residents – defenders of Ukraine who sustained injuries in areas where combat operations are ongoing, starting from September 24, 2024 (the date the relevant Kyiv City Council decision comes into effect).
To receive such assistance, injured defenders or their representatives must submit a written application in any form to the Department of Social and Veteran Policy of the KMDA, along with a package of documents via KBU “Kyiv Military Hub”.
The application must include:
- a copy of the Ukrainian citizen's passport;
- a copy of the identification code;
- a copy of the established sample certificate (if available);
- a copy of the certificate regarding the circumstances of the injury (wound, concussion, disability), as stipulated in Appendix 5 to the Regulations on Military Medical Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- copies of medical certificates in forms No. 027/o and/or No. 028/o;
- a copy of the registration as an IDP (if available);
- a copy of the document confirming the representative's authority;
- information about the bank account number (according to the IBAN standard).
The decision regarding the payment will be made within a month from the date of submission of the documents. In the event of a positive conclusion, the funds will be transferred within 10 days of the following month.
Kostyantyn MYKHAILENKO