After the war in Ukraine there will be about four million veterans and their families who will need benefits.

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The legal status of war veterans is regulated by the Law of Ukraine " (as amended on January 1, 2023. ), explained Victoria Gusakova, a freelance lawyer for the publication “On Retirement”.

Veterans of the war, in particular, include:.

war-disabled;

combatants;

participants in the war.

The first two categories of veterans are those who directly performed the duties of military service.. The only difference is that the status of a participant in hostilities does not imply the establishment of a disability that occurred as a result of the war.

At the same time, both categories are entitled to a significant number of benefits.. For example, persons with disabilities as a result of the war are given a 100% discount on housing and communal services (within the limits of consumption), and combatants - a 75% discount.

Social guarantees are prescribed for each category of beneficiaries. The right to them gives a preferential certificate, which indicates the status of the beneficiary. There can be only one such status..

If a person is entitled to several statuses, he can choose the one that is more beneficial (gives more benefits). This is a generally accepted approach, confirmed by legislative acts..

Article 18 of Law No. 3551-XII provides that war veterans are awarded certificates and badges. If combatants, persons with disabilities as a result of the war, participants in the war are at the same time persons who are subject to the said law, then one certificate of their choice is issued and a note is made on the establishment of a different legal status.

So that there is no doubt, we also refer to the Procedure for the manufacture and issuance of certificates and signs (Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 302 of May 12, 1994. , as amended on December 20, 2022. It literally says: “persons who have the right to receive several certificates in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On the status of war veterans, guarantees of their social protection” are issued only one certificate of their choice”.

What hurts the Ukrainian defenders most of all, who have been arranging their peaceful life since the first wave of the war with Russia? How the state helps them and their families? What challenges will we have to face when the belligerents return now - in the midst of full-scale military aggression? How society should treat veterans in general, and how each of us can influence it? Read the answers to these questions in an interview with the Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund Natalia Kalmykova " Dignity-level support" U.A..