How to receive state compensation for destroyed housing

What conditions do you need to meet to receive a payment? Is only the total loss of a home compensated, or are there options for those whose homes have been partially destroyed? How does the application process work, how long does it take and what amounts can you expect? In this article, we'll look at the key aspects of the state program of compensation for damaged housing.

How much money the state allocates for compensation 

Ukraine has legislation governing the matter of compensation for housing damaged and destroyed as a result of hostilities. In particular, on 23 February 2023 the Law of Ukraine No. 2923-IX "On Compensation for Damage to and Destruction of Certain Categories of Immovable Property as a Result of Hostilities, Terrorist Acts and Sabotage Caused by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine" was adopted. The law on compensation for destroyed housing sets out the legal and organizational principles for providing compensation for damaged and destroyed housing.

The following compensation limits for damaged housing are currently set:

• Up to UAH 350,000 — for apartments.
• Up to UAH 500,000 — for private houses.

Importantly, the money isn't handed out in cash. Instead, housing certificates are issued, which can be used to buy a new home, or the funds are transferred through the "eVidnovlennia" program to repair the damaged property.

International aid plays a separate role in financing the program. Ukraine receives support from the European Union, the World Bank, the United States and other countries, which allocate funds for rebuilding residential infrastructure. The process of paying out compensation for damaged housing is ongoing, but because of the scale of the destruction, the wait can last up to six months.

In what cases is compensation provided?

You can receive compensation if your home was damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities after 24 February 2022 and is located on territory controlled by Ukraine.

Compensation for housing destroyed during the war is provided in the following cases: 

• If the home was damaged as a result of missile strikes, artillery shelling, airstrikes or other military action.
• If the building can't be reconstructed — an examination must confirm that the house or apartment can't be restored.

If the home can be restored, the owner will receive funds for repairs. But if the house or apartment is completely destroyed, compensation will be issued in the form of a certificate to buy a new home.

No compensation is provided for those whose housing was destroyed before 24 February 2022, or for properties located in temporarily occupied territories (until they are liberated).

Who is entitled to compensation for destroyed housing?

Only individuals who are owners of the destroyed or damaged housing can receive a payment. If the owner has died, their heirs can apply, having confirmed their right to the inheritance. Compensation for apartment blocks is also possible, but in that case the applicant is the OSBB (condominium association) or the management company.

Priority right to receive compensation is given to:

• combatants, war veterans and mobilized persons;
• large families;
• persons with group I and II disabilities, and disabilities resulting from the war.

To apply, you need to report the destroyed housing through the "Diia" portal or app. This is the fastest way and takes no more than five minutes. For those who don't have access to digital services, there's the option to apply through an ASC (Center for the Provision of Administrative Services) or a notary.

The next step is opening an "eVidnovlennia" account at a bank, since it's to this card that the funds will be credited. After that, you can submit an application for compensation for damaged housing through "Diia," following which a special commission will assess the damage.

The procedure for reviewing an application takes no longer than 30 days. If the decision is positive, the money or certificate is credited to the applicant. The expected time to receive compensation is up to 6 months, but it all depends on the complexity of the case and the total number of applications.

How do you use the compensation received for damaged housing?

After receiving the payment, the main question arises: how to manage the funds properly. The program provides for two ways to use the compensation — rebuilding the damaged housing or buying a new home.

If the housing is damaged but can be repaired

If your property is partially damaged but can be restored, the state will credit the compensation to your "eVidnovlennia" card. This is a special account from which you can pay for building materials or tradespeople's services.

What can it be used for?

• Building materials (brick, cement, metal-plastic windows, roofing materials and so on).
• The services of certified builders and repair companies.
• Work to restore the roof, walls, insulation and replace utilities.

What can't it be used for?

• Appliances, furniture and decorative elements.
• Construction work carried out without a contract with a contractor.

Bear in mind that a supervisory committee will monitor the targeted use of the funds to prevent fraud, so all payments must be made only with verified suppliers and contractors.

If the housing is completely destroyed

In that case, compensation is issued in the form of a housing certificate, which can be used to buy a new property.

What do you need to know about the housing certificate?

• The certificate can only be used to buy housing in Ukraine.
• The property can be chosen in any region, regardless of where you previously lived.
• The amount of the certificate isn't given in cash — it's paid directly to the seller of the apartment or house.

This solution gives people who have lost their homes in an active combat zone the chance to move to safer regions and buy a new home.

Why is it important to apply as early as possible?

Because of the scale of the destruction, the payment process is gradual. The sooner you report the damage to your home and submit an application for compensation, the sooner you'll be able to receive funds for restoration or a new property.

If your home was affected by the war, don't put off submitting the documents. The program is already up and running, and many Ukrainians have received their first payments.

Compensation can't bring back lost memories or the effort put into your own home, but it is a real opportunity to start life anew.