Payment of 1 million under the 18-24 contract: refusal and appeal

Were you denied the UAH 1 million payment under the contract, or has your military unit failed to respond to your report? An attorney at «Pravovyi Lider» will verify your eligibility for the UAH 1 million payment under the Contract 18–24 program and help you appeal the refusal.

Key Points at a Glance

• Who is eligible. Participants in the «Contract 18–24» program and certain servicemembers who entered or were conscripted into military service before turning 25 during martial law (Resolution No. 153).
• What can be challenged. Errors in calculating combat participation days, failure to account for injuries, unjustified refusals following a change in rank or discharge, and inaction by a military unit.
• What to do. Submit a registered military report, supporting documents, and a complaint to the command; if necessary, file an administrative lawsuit.
• Attorney assistance. Assessment of legal prospects, preparation of inquiries and complaints, and remote legal representation in court.

Who Is Eligible for the UAH 1 Million Payment Under the 18–24 Contract Program?

Resolution No. 153 establishes two categories of recipients with different eligibility requirements.

New contract servicemembers: Ukrainian citizens aged 18–24 who, starting from February 13, 2025, signed a special contract under the program for an enlisted position in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, or State Border Guard Service. A one-year contract requires at least six months of cumulative direct participation in combat operations, while a two-year contract for positions involving the operation of unmanned systems requires twelve months.

Servicemembers who entered service earlier: Ukrainian citizens who entered or were conscripted into military service during martial law between February 24, 2022, and February 13, 2025, while under the age of 25. The rule primarily covers enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, and senior enlisted personnel who were serving as of February 13, 2025, and directly participated in combat operations. Turning 25 during military service does not affect eligibility.

How Much Should Be Paid and When?

The Contract 18–24 program provides for payments in stages, while eligible servicemembers who entered service earlier receive a one-time payment.

Category	Amount and Payment Stages	Requirement
New one-year contract	UAH 200,000 within 5 working days after signing the contract and assuming the position; UAH 300,000 within 5 working days after completing training and being assigned to combat missions; UAH 500,000 upon removal from the military unit's personnel rolls or on the final day of the contract if service continues under a new contract.	A special contract and at least 6 months of cumulative direct combat participation.
New two-year contract (unmanned systems)	The same payment stages: UAH 200,000 + UAH 300,000 + UAH 500,000.	At least 12 months of direct combat participation.
Servicemembers who entered or were conscripted into service earlier	UAH 1,000,000 for 6 or more months of combat participation as of February 13, 2025; if the period is shorter, one-sixth of UAH 1 million for every cumulative 30 days.	The full amount may also be available for shorter participation periods due to documented injuries or illnesses related to the defense of Ukraine, or captivity followed by release, excluding voluntary surrender.

If the required combat participation period has not been completed, the third installment under a new contract may be reduced: one-sixth or one-twelfth of UAH 500,000 for every 30 days, depending on the type of contract. For certain grounds of early discharge, the remaining amount is not paid. Combat participation days must be confirmed by official military documents, not merely by presence in a combat zone.

Grounds for Refusal: Which Are Lawful and Which Can Be Appealed?

A refusal to pay UAH 1 million under the Contract 18–24 program may be lawful for one category of servicemembers but unjustified for another.

Refusals That Can Be Appealed

«You served before February 24, 2022.» Previous compulsory military service does not exclude eligibility for the payment if the servicemember signed a contract during martial law while under 25 and met the remaining requirements. However, an ordinary contract signed before martial law began does not, in itself, establish eligibility for this payment.

«You are already an officer.» Certain categories of servicemembers retain eligibility after certification, recertification, or being awarded an officer rank, including after February 13, 2025. We examine previous ranks and the dates of relevant orders. The resolution does not apply to all officers.

«You have been discharged.» Servicemembers who met the requirements as of February 13, 2025, and were discharged later may receive the payment through an amendment to the order removing them from the unit's personnel rolls. The situation differs for those discharged before February 13, 2025.

«You have not completed six months of combat participation.» For those who served before the program was introduced, injuries, illnesses sustained during the defense of Ukraine, or release from captivity may establish eligibility for the full UAH 1 million without six months of participation. Ordinary medical treatment does not automatically qualify as an exception; different rules apply to new contracts.

«You do not have Form No. 6.» The UAH 1 million payment requires a special certificate based on combat orders, logs, and reports rather than a Form No. 6 certificate. A refusal to prepare the required supporting documents can be challenged.

Refusals That Are Difficult to Appeal

A court cannot change age or service requirements that have not been met. For servicemembers who entered service earlier, paragraph 4 of the resolution also provides restrictions related to criminal liability, two or more military administrative offenses, or an applicable disciplinary sanction imposed by a written order, such as a disciplinary penalty.

The mere initiation of criminal proceedings or a verbal reference to a reprimand does not constitute proof of a lawful ground for refusal. A military law attorney examines the type of liability and whether the disciplinary sanction remains valid. If a lawful ground is confirmed, the chances of successfully challenging the refusal are low.

What to Do Immediately After a Refusal: Step-by-Step Guide

First, document your application and the reason for the refusal.

1. Submit a military report or request a written response. Specify the grounds for payment and periods of combat participation. Keep a copy bearing a registration mark or postal proof of delivery. The general response period is up to 30 days, or up to 45 days in complex cases.
2. Obtain evidence through an attorney. We request orders, payment calculations, and certificates confirming military service and combat participation. The response deadline is 5 working days, or up to 20 working days for substantial volumes of information. Restrictions apply to classified materials.
3. Submit a complaint to higher command. Identify the military unit's errors, provide evidence, and state your demands. Keep proof of submission. An administrative complaint is not always mandatory and does not guarantee an extension of the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
4. Apply to an administrative court. Claims may seek cancellation of the refusal, consideration of the military report, or calculation and payment of the amount owed. It is important not to miss the court filing deadline.

If the military unit fails to respond, retain evidence of your submitted report and the expiration of the response deadline. If you received only a verbal refusal, submit another written request. Inaction can be challenged even without a formal written refusal.

Which Documents and Evidence Should You Collect?

Documents confirming age, military service, and combat participation are required.

• Special military contract or certificate of service, and an order concerning conscription or entry into service.
• Military ID, citizenship document, and orders concerning military rank and transfers.
• Form No. 6 certificate, if available, and the special certificate required for the payment under Resolution No. 153.
• Extracts from orders and records of combat participation days.
• Written refusal, military report, proof of its delivery, and responses to complaints.
• Where necessary, VLK documents and records concerning injuries, medical treatment, or release from captivity.

An attorney requests documents from military units and, if necessary, seeks their production through the court. Access to restricted materials is limited. If a separate issue concerning payments following an injury arises, it is handled on a different legal basis.

Appealing to an Administrative Court: Jurisdiction, Deadlines, and Court Fees

Such disputes are generally heard by district administrative courts. A lawsuit is usually filed at the plaintiff's registered place of residence or the defendant's address.

Filing deadline. In disputes concerning public service, part 5 of Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Procedure of Ukraine provides a one-month period from the date when the person learned or should have learned of the violation. Different rules may apply following a statutory pre-trial appeal: three months after receiving the decision on the complaint or six months from submitting it if no decision was provided within the prescribed period (part 4 of Article 122). Submitting another military report does not restart the deadline. If there are valid reasons for missing it, the court may be asked to restore the filing period.

Court fees in 2026. Servicemembers may be exempt from paying court fees under paragraph 12 of part 1 of Article 5 of the Law «On Court Fees» in cases related to the performance of military or official duties. The court determines whether the exemption applies. Without an exemption, the fee for a non-property claim filed by an individual is UAH 1,331.20, while a property claim is subject to a fee of 1% of the claim amount, ranging from UAH 1,331.20 to UAH 16,640. A coefficient of 0.8 applies to electronic filing.

Proceedings and appeals. The Code of Administrative Procedure provides for a period of up to 60 days from the opening of proceedings under the simplified procedure, although cases may take longer. The deadline for appealing a judgment is generally 30 days. If a military unit simply ignored a report, the court may order it to consider the report rather than immediately award the UAH 1 million payment.

What Does an Attorney Do in a UAH 1 Million Payment Case?

An attorney provides legal support without guaranteeing the outcome.

1. Reviews the contract, age, combat participation documents, and grounds for refusal.
2. Prepares the military report, attorney inquiries, and applications to previous military units.
3. Drafts a complaint to the command and monitors the response.
4. Prepares the lawsuit and motions and represents the client in court, including remotely where permitted.
5. Provides legal support during enforcement of the judgment and obtaining the required documents.

Cost of Attorney Services

Fees depend on the scope of work and are agreed upon before services begin.

Service	Description	Cost
Consultation	Assessment of eligibility, refusal, and deadlines	Confirmed upon inquiry
Pre-trial legal support	Inquiries, military report, complaint	By agreement
Court appeal	Lawsuit, motions, representation	Individually agreed in the contract

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Why Choose «Pravovyi Lider» and Where Do We Operate?

The «Pravovyi Lider» Law Firm provides legal assistance to servicemembers in disputes involving military pay, outstanding payments, and command decisions. Our team includes attorneys and lawyers specializing in military law who have practical experience protecting servicemembers' rights.

In cases concerning the UAH 1 million payment under the Contract 18–24 program, we verify the lawfulness of the refusal, analyze military unit documents, help obtain the necessary evidence, and represent clients during pre-trial and court appeals. Before starting work, we assess the prospects of the case and explain potential risks.

We work with servicemembers throughout Ukraine. Consultations, document analysis, and preparation of procedural submissions are available remotely. This allows clients to receive legal assistance without visiting an office in person.

For clients who prefer in-person meetings, consultations with military law attorneys are available in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Vinnytsia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Appeal a Verbal Refusal or a Military Unit's Failure to Respond to My Report?

Yes. Submit a written military report and keep proof of its registration. If the military unit fails to respond within the prescribed period, its inaction can be challenged.

I Received Only Part of the Payment. What Should I Do?

Request a payment calculation and verify the combat participation days taken into account. If the amount was calculated incorrectly, you may request recalculation and payment of the outstanding balance.

Can I File a Lawsuit If I Have Been Transferred to Another Military Unit?

Yes. A transfer does not remove your right to appeal. It is important to determine which military unit is responsible for calculating and paying the amount owed.

Will the State Reimburse My Attorney Fees If the Court Rules in My Favor?

Yes. The court may order the defendant to reimburse attorney fees. These expenses must be supported by documents, and the court determines the amount to be reimbursed.

Is the UAH 1 Million Payment Subject to Tax?

The payment is subject to the tax rules applicable to military pay. Personal income tax is compensated by the state, while the military levy depends on the exemptions provided by law.

Can I Appeal the Refusal Remotely Without Visiting My Military Unit?

Yes. An attorney can prepare documents remotely, submit inquiries and complaints, and file a lawsuit through the «Electronic Court» system.

What Should I Do If the Military Unit Appeals the Court's Decision?

You should prepare a response to the appeal and substantiate the lawfulness of the first-instance court's decision. An attorney can represent your interests before the appellate court.