Guaranteed by the state: what benefits for utilities can be used by the military
8 November 15:16
Defenders who are currently defending or have defended Ukraine are entitled to numerous benefits for housing and utility bills. The Ministry of Social Policy reminded us of this, according to Komersant ukrainskyi.
According to the current legislation, and we mean, first of all, the law “On the Status of War Veterans, Guarantees of Their Social Protection,” the military can take advantage of the following utility benefits:
– management of an apartment building,
– supply and distribution of natural gas, electricity, hot water, heat energy for heating,
– centralized water supply, centralized sewerage,
– garbage collection.
The privilege is also granted for the purchase of solid fuel and liquefied gas.
Who is eligible for the benefit?
– combatants – 75% discount on housing and utility bills within the established norms;
– war veterans – 50% discount;
– persons with disabilities caused by war – 100% discount;
– family members of the deceased – 50% discount.
Where to apply for the benefit?
You need to apply to the Pension Fund authority, submit an application in person at any of the Pension Fund service centers or send it by mail.
Also, applications with the necessary documents and information are accepted at the executive bodies of village, town, city councils of the respective communities or military administrations and at the ASCs.
You can also submit an application online: either through the Pension Fund’s electronic services web portal or through the Pension Fund’s mobile application.
What documents are required to apply for the benefit?
You need to provide a passport, a document confirming the right to the benefit (for example, a UBD certificate), and a taxpayer registration card number. The application must also include the details of the service providers and personal accounts with them.
The Pension Fund will consider the application within 10 days and notify you of the decision within 3 days.
If a serviceman who has the appropriate status is at the front or in a hospital, or for some other reason is unable to submit an application in person, family members who are entitled to the benefit can do it for him. For example, a disabled father or mother, husband or wife. To do this, you will need to attach a document confirming the family relationship. This can be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
How does the benefit work?
Housing and utility benefits are monetized, meaning they are provided in cash. Instead, you have to pay the full cost of housing and communal services on your own every month. And the Pension Fund will pay you the amount of the benefit by transferring it to a bank account opened in an authorized bank or through a branch of Ukrposhta JSC. The method of payment is indicated in the application.
More information about social guarantees and benefits for veterans can be found on the website of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund here.
