With the onset of the war with Russia, the financial situation in Ukraine has become significantly more complicated, prompting the Government to implement a range of measures to provide financial assistance to citizens, particularly allowing certain categories of individuals to refrain from paying for utilities.
According to Social Portal, Ukrainians may not have to pay for utilities if they have not resided in their homes for more than 30 days.
This exemption does not apply to charges for centralized heating and gas supply. To confirm the exemption, individuals must provide documentation, including:
certificates of internally displaced persons;
documents related to military service or medical treatment;
other official documents.
Lawyer Alexander Pasternak states that since March 2022, it has been prohibited to collect debts for utility services that have accrued since the beginning of the war. This rule remains in effect until the end of hostilities or the occupation of the territory.
No charges for utility services will be incurred if the property has been damaged as a result of hostilities, and the services have been disconnected.
The lawyer advises gathering the necessary documents and notifying service providers. This will help avoid issues, even if utility companies may take legal action against debtors during the war.
What about payments in occupied territories?
Ukrainian laws do not apply to occupied territories, where Russians may violate citizens' rights. For such cases, the expert recommends:
finding someone in the occupied area to transfer funds for utility services;
waiting for the liberation of the territory, when services will be resumed.