Housing Subsidies and Backdated Payments: Who Can Claim This Right and How to Do It
In Ukraine, state support in the form of housing subsidies remains an essential tool for hundreds of thousands of families who are unable to cover utility bills on their own. This assistance aims to reduce financial burdens and provide comfortable living conditions for the most vulnerable citizens. Besides the standard procedures for obtaining subsidies, there is a possibility of applying for backdated payments in exceptional cases — for example, after the death of the primary recipient. This process can be complex and requires strict adherence to legal regulations. For instance, if the deceased recipient was the only or one of the members of a household, their family members have the right to submit an application and receive the unpaid subsidy funds. It is important to note that, according to current legislation, unpaid subsidy amounts cannot be inherited; however, in cases of the recipient’s death, certain exceptions allow for the payment of funds based on relevant regulations. To claim these payments, it is necessary to contact the Pension Fund of Ukraine within three months of the recipient’s death, providing documents such as the death certificate, identification documents of the applicant, and bank account details for the transfer. Additionally, it is worth reminding that large families are entitled to various benefits related to utility payments, which further enhances the living standards of the most vulnerable segments of society.