New Guidelines for Veteran Family Compensation: What You Need to Know
Starting February 1, 2025, the revised "Law on Social and Legal Protection of Servicemen and Their Families" brings significant changes to the distribution of veteran family compensation.
Previously, one family member, typically a spouse, received approximately 120,000 UAH monthly. Under the new rules, absent a soldier’s personal instruction, compensation will be allocated as follows:
- First Line Relatives (50%): This share is divided equally among the wife/husband, legal guardians of minor children, children with disabilities, and parents (except those receiving alimony or deprived of parental rights).
- Second Line Relatives (20%): If first-line relatives are absent, this share goes to adult children, siblings.
- Unclaimed Funds: Remaining funds (50% or 80%) are kept in the military unit and paid out to the soldier upon return.
Pros and Cons of the New System
Lawyer Roman Likhachev praises the wider range of eligible family members but notes the reduced individual shares. He also highlights potential fairness issues, such as estranged relatives receiving shares, and the fact that the new rules do not yet cover National Guard and border guards.
In case of a soldier’s death or legal declaration of death, unclaimed funds become part of the inheritance. Additionally, families of servicemen who surrendered, left their units, or deserted are not eligible for compensation.
For more information on veteran benefits, stay tuned to our news updates.
