Utility benefits for UBD in 2025: what has changed and what should we expect?

In 2025, Ukraine changed the rules for providing benefits for housing and utility services: for most categories of citizens, a household income means test now applies. However, these changes do not affect participants in hostilities (UBD)—their social protection remains fully intact.

Expert Commentary

Olha Hubska, Master of Law, attorney with 6+ years of experience in military and pension law, Deputy Director of LLC “Pravovyi Lider”:

“Under the new conditions, it is important to emphasize that UBD status remains a valid legal foundation for exercising state-guaranteed benefits. All income-based restrictions do not apply to UBD. This is an important signal that the state continues to recognize the merits of defenders and does not allow their rights to be narrowed. In our practice, we increasingly record cases where UBD face bureaucratic obstacles—that’s why it is crucial to have the right step-by-step algorithm and legal support.”

Which benefits are preserved for UBD in 2025?

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection,” participants in hostilities are entitled to:

• a 75% discount on apartment maintenance fees (housing rent/management);
• a 75% discount on utilities (water, gas, electricity, waste removal, etc.);
• a 75% discount on the cost of fuel for households without central heating.

These benefits apply regardless of household income.

Important nuances

• The benefit applies to 21 sq. m per person plus 10.5 sq. m per household.
• For households of persons incapable of work, the standard is doubled.
• Benefits apply to both owned and officially rented housing (subject to a lease agreement).

Priority regarding housing provision

• Priority housing for those needing better living conditions.
• Extraordinary (out-of-turn) housing provision (depending on the beneficiary category).

Other housing-related benefits

• Priority right to join housing and garage cooperatives.
• Priority right to join gardening societies.
• Priority right to purchase construction materials.

How to apply for the benefit in 2025?

Everything is now done via a single online application on the website of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

Submission algorithm

1. Sign in on the PFU portal.
2. Go to “Communications with PFU” → “Benefit application.”
3. Select “Application for registering a war veteran and granting benefits.”
4. Fill out the form, upload scanned documents, and sign with an e-signature.
5. Submit the application and track the status under “My requests.”

Olha Hubska:

“From a technical standpoint, the new algorithm significantly simplifies the procedure for beneficiaries. But it’s important not only to submit the application, but also to prepare the documents correctly—particularly the lease agreement if the housing is not owned. Without legal precision, it’s easy to make mistakes.”

The benefit is provided in monetary form

You pay utility bills at full cost, and the reimbursement is transferred to your bank card.

Need help?

Need help with applying for benefits or court-related issues? The experts at “Pravovyi Lider” will help you quickly and lawfully protect your rights. Contact us today.