The article is updated and current as of 01/23/2026

What Utility Payment Benefits Are Provided for Combatants?

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection,” specifically Section III, benefits for utility payments are defined. The law establishes a 75% discount for housing use (within the square meter limits defined by legislation), for utilities, and for fuel costs for houses without centralized heating. More details about the benefits and their conditions are provided below.

Benefits on Utility Services for Combat Veterans in 2026

Regarding the order and procedure for obtaining benefits on utility services for combat veterans, it should be noted that no changes have been introduced compared to the previous year. In this section, we will detail specific information so that you can unimpededly exercise your right to benefits in 2026.

Social Consumption Standards in 2026

As indicated in previous sections, the corresponding benefits for combat veterans are provided within the limits of social consumption standards. Consumption exceeding the established standards is paid for without the benefit at standard rates. We will review the social consumption standards established by legislation below.

Regarding the 75% discount on the housing fee (apartment rent), it is provided for 21 sq. meters of the total housing area for each person permanently residing in the residential premises (house) who is entitled to the discount, and an additional 10.5 sq. meters per family.

The social consumption standards for granting the heating discount are identical to the corresponding standards for housing usage. There is only one positive exception concerning families consisting solely of incapacitated persons: a 75% discount on gas for housing heating is applied to double the size of the standard heating area (42 sq. meters for each person entitled to the discount, and 21 sq. meters per family).

For the service of thermal energy supply (for centralized or autonomous heating needs) and individual heating, the social consumption standards are:

• in case thermal energy is used for centralized or autonomous heating — 0.0383 Gcal per 1 sq. meter of heated area per month during the heating season;
• in case natural gas is used for individual heating — 4 cubic meters of natural gas per 1 sq. meter of heated area per month during the heating season;
• in case electrical energy is used for individual heating — 30 kWh per 1 sq. meter of heated area per month during the heating season.

For the use of centralized water supply services, the social consumption standards are:

• 2 cubic meters of cold water per person per month if hot water supply service is available;
• 3.6 cubic meters of cold water per person per month if hot water supply service is absent;
• 1.6 cubic meters of hot water per person per month.

The social consumption standards for the use of centralized drainage services are:

• 3.6 cubic meters per person per month;
• in the absence of centralized drainage (absence of a centralized drainage system but presence of centralized water supply and cesspools) for the removal of liquid waste — 3.6 cubic meters per household per month;
• in the absence of centralized drainage (absence of a centralized drainage system and centralized water supply, but presence of cesspools) for the removal of liquid waste — 0.76 cubic meters per person per month.

The social consumption standards for the use of natural gas supply and distribution services are:

• with a gas stove and centralized hot water supply — 3.3 cubic meters per person per month;
• with a gas stove, if centralized hot water supply and a gas water heater are absent — 5.4 cubic meters per person per month;
• with a gas stove and a gas water heater — 10.5 cubic meters per person per month.

The social consumption standards for the use of electricity supply and distribution services in residential premises (houses):

• in residential premises (houses), except those listed below — 70 kWh per month per family (household) of one person and an additional 30 kWh per month for each other family (household) member, but not more than 190 kWh per month;
• equipped with stationary electric stoves, with centralized hot water supply — 110 kWh per month per family (household) of one person and an additional 30 kWh per month for each other family (household) member per residential premises (house), but not more than 230 kWh per month;
• equipped with stationary electric stoves, without centralized hot water supply — 130 kWh per month per family (household) of one person and an additional 30 kWh per month for each other family (household) member per residential premises (house), but not more than 250 kWh per month;
• not equipped with stationary electric stoves, with centralized cold water supply and without centralized hot water supply and gas water heating appliances — 100 kWh per month per family (household) of one person and an additional 30 kWh per month for each other family (household) member, but not more than 220 kWh per month;
• in villages and urban-type settlements for citizens to whom the state provides free housing lighting according to legislation — 30 kWh per month per person.

How to Correctly Calculate the Benefit for Combat Veterans?

In the previous section, we clarified that there are social consumption standards within which the benefit applies. To be able to monitor utility bill charges and understand the principle of applying the benefit to them, let’s figure out how to correctly calculate the corresponding discount using practical examples.

Example 1 (Heating):

The family consists of 3 people. The apartment area is 80 sq. meters. The 75% discount for heating usage is provided for 21 sq. meters of total housing area for each person permanently residing in the residential premises (house) who is entitled to the discount, and an additional 10.5 sq. meters per family.

Accordingly, in our situation, the discount is provided for 73.5 sq. meters (21 (first family member) + 21 (second family member) + 21 (third family member) + 10.5 (additional for the family) = 73.5). The remainder, i.e., 6.5 sq. meters (80 (actual apartment area) – 73.5 (area for which the discount is provided) = 6.5) does not fall under the benefit, therefore it is paid at the standard rate.

Example 2 (Cold Water Supply):

The family consists of 2 people. Hot water supply service is absent. The family consumed 6 cubic meters of cold water.

For the use of centralized water supply services, the social standard is 3.6 cubic meters of cold water per person per month in the absence of hot water supply service. In this case, all 6 cubic meters of cold water consumed by the family are subject to the 75% discount, as this amount does not exceed the standard established for the family in our situation — 7.2 cubic meters (3.6 (first family member) + 3.6 (second family member) = 7.2).

We hope that from the above illustrative examples, it has become clearer to you how the discount on utility services is calculated under the benefit for a combat veteran in 2026.

Who Can Use the Benefits: the Participant or Their Family Members?

The same Law stipulates that the benefits related to housing and utility payments are provided to the combatant and their family members. However, they must reside together. The type of housing and form of ownership do not matter. Unfortunately, relatives who live separately from the combatant are not eligible for the benefits mentioned in this article.

What Types of Utility Services Are Covered by the Benefit?

The benefit for combatants covers the main utility services: gas supply, electricity, water supply, waste removal, and more. The legislation also provides a discount for fuel, including liquid fuel, for those living in houses not connected to centralized heating.

It is important to note that the discount is granted within average consumption limits. The housing area eligible for heating discount is 21 sq. meters of heated space per person who permanently resides in the home and is entitled to the benefit, plus an additional 10.5 sq. meters for the family. For families consisting only of non-working individuals, the discount applies to double the normative area: 42 sq. meters per person and 21 sq. meters for the family.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for Utility Benefits?

The benefit is not granted automatically; the beneficiary or their representative must apply. The official website of the Pension Fund of Ukraine provides the list of required documents. Key documents include: passport; tax identification number; combatant certificate; bank account details for payments; utility account numbers; and the name of the utility provider.

Additional documents may be required depending on circumstances, such as a rental agreement, internally displaced person (IDP) certificate, documents for family members, etc. If there is no rental agreement or IDP certificate, the local government will issue a report on the material and living conditions of the actual place of residence.

Is a Combatant Certificate Mandatory to Receive Benefits?

Yes, having a combatant certificate is a mandatory condition, as it confirms the right to receive the benefit. If a person has not yet obtained the certificate, they are advised to do so as soon as possible. If the certificate is lost, it must be restored. For dismissed individuals, they should apply to the TCC and SP; for active service members, to the personnel department of the military unit.

How to Submit an Application for Benefits: Online or Offline?

Applications for utility benefits can be submitted either online or in person, and both options are free of charge.

To apply online, visit the Pension Fund of Ukraine’s electronic services portal. Log in using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Select the “Communication with PFU” section and then “Application for housing subsidy or benefit.” Proceed to the benefit application section. If the applicant is not listed in the Registry, select “Application for inclusion in the Unified State Automated Register of Persons Entitled to Benefits” and follow the instructions. Enter the necessary data and upload digital copies of the documents. If the applicant is already in the Registry, proceed directly to “Application for utility payment benefits, purchase of solid fuel and liquefied gas.” Enter personal information and utility service details. Carefully verify all information before clicking “Submit Application.”

To apply physically, visit the territorial bodies of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, executive bodies of village, settlement, or city councils, or Administrative Services Centers (CNAPs). Applications may be submitted in person, by registered mail, or by email with scanned copies of the documents. The same set of documents mentioned earlier is required.

How Can a Lawyer Help If Benefits Are Denied or Delayed?

As a combatant is entitled to the mentioned benefit, a denial may be unlawful. A lawyer can help challenge an unjustified denial. If the denial is lawful, the lawyer will help eliminate the shortcomings to ensure successful future receipt of the benefit.

In case of delays in benefit payments, it’s recommended to consult a lawyer immediately. Although delays should not occur formally, they do happen in practice. For example, in February 2025, the Pension Fund failed to pay benefits for utilities for February and March. The payments were eventually made in April. However, there is a risk that delayed payments may not be made at all, so prompt action is essential. Timely and correct steps significantly increase the chance of recovering the funds.

Why Can Combatants Be Denied Benefits and How to Appeal?

Denial of utility benefits for combatants can occur for several reasons. First, the applicant may not be registered in the Unified State Automated Register of Persons Entitled to Benefits. In that case, registration in the Registry is the first step before applying for the benefit.

Second, the family income of the beneficiary may exceed the established threshold. In 2025, this amount is 4,240 UAH. A denial would be lawful only if the average income was calculated correctly.

A complaint may be submitted either by the applicant or their representative. The responsible authority for such complaints is the district administrative court.

Other reasons for denial are often unlawful. Such actions must be appealed and declared illegal. It is best to contact a lawyer for effective resolution of the issue.