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Support for Defenders of Ukraine

War veterans and military service members

We advise veterans and military service members, help prepare documents and protect their rights in dealings with military units and public authorities.

Eligibility and application procedure

What you need to know

War veterans and military service members in the categories provided by law may receive advice, help with documents and free secondary legal aid for issues connected with their social protection.

The scope of aid depends on status and the legal issue

Bring any available military service and status documents. If the required status has not yet been granted, a lawyer can explain how to obtain or appeal it.

Legal services available

01

Legal advice

A lawyer explains your rights, available procedures, deadlines and the evidence that may be useful.

02

Procedural documents

Assistance drafting applications, complaints, claims, appeals and other court documents.

03

Representation of interests in court

A Free Legal Aid system lawyer or a lawyer cooperating with the system may represent your interests where the law provides this service.

Common legal issues

Status and benefits

Obtaining veteran status, certificates, benefits and appealing refusals.

Military service

Orders, discharge, leave, payments and service records.

Health and rehabilitation

Military medical commission decisions, disability assessment and treatment rights.

Pensions and family matters

Pensions, compensation, housing, inheritance and family rights.

What to bring, if available

  • identity document and tax number, if available;
  • military ID, service record or certificates from the military unit;
  • medical records and commission decisions;
  • written decisions, payment records and correspondence relevant to the issue.

Do not postpone your first consultation because a document is missing. Bring what you have. A lawyer will explain which information can be obtained from registers and what else may be required.

How to receive assistance

1

Describe the situation

Call, write online or visit any legal aid bureau. Explain what happened and what result you need.

2

Confirm eligibility

A lawyer will identify the applicable legal category and explain which supporting documents are required.

3

Receive the appropriate service

You may receive advice immediately. Where secondary legal aid is required, the centre will process an application and appoint a legal aid provider.

Legal basis

Eligibility and the scope of services are governed by the Law of Ukraine “On Free Legal Aid”. The lawyer will assess the current law and the facts of your case.

View the law