The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has held a historic vote, passing a law that radically changes the approach to the social protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The document, known as Bill No. 12301, eliminates administrative barriers that have separated citizens of the country based on their displacement for years.
The End of the "Separate Rules" Era
The main innovation is that the state loses the right to establish specific conditions for IDPs regarding the appointment, recalculation, or payment of pensions. With the adoption of this law, IDPs move to general grounds for receiving social payments. This means a complete rejection of additional bureaucratic procedures, special checks, and unique requirements that previously applied exclusively to this category of citizens.
As noted in the explanatory note to the bill, social and pension payments will be made regardless of the date of displacement. Furthermore, the requirement to confirm that the IDP does not receive a pension from the Russian Federation's pension authorities is abolished. This decision relieves people of the need to provide complex certificates and go through unnecessary agencies.
Effective Dates and Current Risks
The new rules will not come into force instantly. According to the text of the law, its provisions will enter into force three months after official publication. This period is necessary for adapting accounting systems and preparing agencies to work in the new mode.
However, experts and officials warn that the transition period may be associated with risks. In particular, some IDPs may face a suspension of payments as early as July. This will affect citizens who fail to update their data in the registry in time. Thus, despite the liberalization of legislation, the need to monitor the currency of personal information remains.
Comprehensive Approach to Support
Changes in pension legislation are part of a broader course on integrating IDPs into society. In parallel with the simplification of receiving money, a pilot project for social housing has officially launched in Ukraine. Within the framework of this initiative, local communities have the right to purchase vacant houses and transfer them to IDPs, solving one of the most acute problems — the lack of a permanent place of residence.
