Ukraine‘s Ministry of Health Clarifies Rumors: Status of Disability, MSEK, and Military Mobilization
The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has addressed recent misinformation circulating online about changes to disability status, Medical Social Expert Commission (MSEK) assessments, and military mobilization for individuals with disabilities. Here’s what you need to know:
Disability Status and Benefits
- The ministry reassured that all individuals with a disability status will continue to receive their respective benefits, including assistance, services, and military mobilization exemption. This applies as long as their MSEK evaluation is valid.
- Contrary to rumors, men aged 25-60 with disabilities do not need to undergo a mandatory reassessment unless they were scheduled to do so in 2022-2024 and had legitimate reasons for not doing so during the war.
- MSEK, and the future expert medical teams replacing them in 2025, will only establish or revoke disability status based on legal criteria.
Transition from MSEK to Expert Medical Teams
- Starting January 1, 2025, expert medical teams will replace MSEK, evaluating individuals’ daily functioning transparently and based on clear criteria.
- People with recognized disabilities will still qualify for military mobilization exemption, benefits, social guarantees, and assistance.
Upcoming Reassessments
The ministry provided information on who and when should undergo a reassessment:
- All individuals with recognized daily functioning limitations should undergo reevaluation by the new expert medical teams as per their scheduled timeline.
- Those with a permanent disability can choose whether or not to undergo reevaluation, as their benefits will remain unaffected.
- Individuals who missed their scheduled reevaluation in 2022-2024 due to valid reasons, and are eligible for exceptions under martial law, should undergo reassessment by the following deadlines:
- Men aged 25-60 with a 2nd or 3rd group disability – before November 1, 2025.
- Other individuals – before April 1, 2026.
Exceptions regarding reassessments:
- Individuals residing in war zones or temporarily occupied territories.
- Those with severe organic dysfunctions, including missing limbs, impaired senses, cancer, or severe mental illness.
- Active military personnel and those discharged within 60 days – their disability status remains valid during military service and for 60 days post-discharge.
Lastly, the ministry confirmed that MSEK-issued disability documents till December 31, 2024, will remain valid after the commissions are disbanded. For further information, please visit the official Ministry of Health website or consult your local authorities.
