Benefits and Payments for the ‘Order of Courage’ Laureates in Ukraine: What You Should Know
In Ukraine, receiving state awards, especially prestigious honors, is a significant recognition of citizens’ contributions to the country.
One of the most esteemed awards is the ‘Order of Courage,’ which is conferred by presidential decree and presented along with an official insignia and documentation.
However, not only the title or medal grants noble rights; a wide range of benefits and payments are also available for full knights of the order and their families.
According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, these privileges include financial support, social guarantees, and medical services.Under current legislation, laureates of the ‘Order of Courage’ are entitled to monthly monetary payments.
These vary depending on the degree of decoration and specific merits.
For example, individuals awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the ‘Gold Star’ order are eligible for a monthly payment of three minimum wages, which in 2023 amounts to approximately 24,000 hryvnias.
Other recipients of orders like Bohdan Khmelnytsky of three degrees receive two minimum wages, while those awarded the ‘Order of Courage’ and the Olga Order receive one minimum wage each.
Additionally, families of fallen heroes are entitled to a benefit of 8,000 hryvnias per family member.Another significant advantage is the additional allowance of 70% of the subsistence minimum for those who have lost employment capacity due to military service or other reasons confirmed by official documents.
This can be an addition to pensions, lifelong payments, or state assistance replacing a pension.
Furthermore, laureates are eligible for annual payments, including ones for Ukraine Independence Day.In terms of social benefits, awardees enjoy tax and customs privileges, such as exemption from certain taxes and fees.
They and their families receive free healthcare in clinics and hospitals, including urgent hospitalization.
They also have priority access to medications prescribed by doctors and, if necessary, home delivery of medicines.Housing benefits include opportunities for preferential loans to construct, reconstruct, or repair homes, as well as for acquiring a summer house or arranging a garden plot, with repayment periods up to ten years.
Transport privileges afford expedited ticketing for all modes of passenger transport — train, bus, water, or air.Employment guarantees include the priority right to retain their jobs in case of staff reduction and priority placement if their employer is reorganized.
They also enjoy an annual paid vacation, with additional unpaid leave options of up to three weeks per year.Family guarantees stipulate that in case of the laureate’s death, their relatives are entitled to a one-time cash benefit of five subsistence minimums per family member.
This provides crucial financial support to the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine.Overall, the ‘Order of Courage’ award represents not only a high honor but also a comprehensive system of social guarantees and support, continuously expanded by the state to honor and protect those who have dedicated their lives to Ukraine’s service.