What documents are needed to obtain the status
The status of a combatant (UBD) not only confirms direct participation in the defense of the country but also opens access to a range of state benefits and social guarantees. There are several ways to obtain it.
RBC-Ukraine, citing explanations from the Ministry of Veterans, outlines who is eligible for UBD status and how to obtain a certificate.
Also read: Early retirement for UBD: who is eligible, what payments are available, and how to apply in 2026
Main points:
- Automatic provision: data is entered into the Register within 5 days after the assignment.
- Volunteers: are eligible for status for participating in battles in February-March 2022.
- Discharged personnel: submit documents through the TCC or departmental commissions.
- Review period: the commission makes a decision within 30 days.
Who is eligible for the status
Military personnel of all branches, partisans, underground fighters, as well as foreigners and stateless persons who fought as part of official formations can obtain a certificate.
A separate category consists of volunteers – civilians who defended Ukraine alongside the defense forces from February 24 to March 25, 2022, or participated in the ATO until February 23, 2018.
How the process works
Automatic mode (during service) – military personnel do not need to submit applications. An authorized person from the unit enters the data into the Unified State Register of War Veterans (EGRVV).
The information should appear in the database within 5 days after the start of the combat assignment. Notification of the status assignment is sent to the electronic cabinet or email.
Important: prisoners and missing persons also automatically receive the status, allowing their families to access benefits without unnecessary bureaucratic steps.
Self-application (if data has not been entered). If the command did not submit the documents on time, the fighter can act independently:
- Online: through the “Diia” portal using “Diia.Signature”.
- By mail: send an application and a package of supporting documents to the relevant commission.
For discharged personnel – former military personnel should contact the TCC and SP at their place of registration. If you served outside the Armed Forces (SBU, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, etc.), the application should be submitted directly to the commission of your former agency.
The TCC has the right to independently request certificates through the court if the unit does not provide a response.
How volunteers should act
Volunteers submit a paper application to the interdepartmental commission of the Ministry of Veterans. This can be done:
- Through any CPAU (regardless of registration location).
- By mail to the Ministry of Veterans: Kyiv, Khreshchatyk St., 34.
After the commission’s decision, the veteran receives a certificate and a badge. Also, at any CPAU through the “Single Window” service, one can obtain an extract from the register confirming the right to benefits within minutes.
Also read about the fact that in addition to a 75% discount on housing and utility payments, UBD holders have the opportunity to receive financial compensation for rent.
Previously, we reported that military personnel with UBD status are entitled to free or discounted travel on intercity transport, including “Ukrzaliznytsia”.
