Employees of critical facilities will receive one-time assistance: Parliament passes new law
25 February 13:43
On February 25, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 14303, which expands the mechanism for paying one-time cash assistance to critical infrastructure workers affected by Russia’s armed aggression, as well as their family members. The new law is intended to eliminate gaps in the current legislation and ensure fair compensation for all victims. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the draft law.
The document aims to strengthen social protection for employees who perform critical functions for the state, particularly in the energy, transport, defense, and utilities sectors.
Who will be eligible for one-time assistance
The law significantly expands the circle of persons eligible for state compensation. From now on, not only full-time employees will be able to receive assistance, but also:
- employees of branches and representative offices of critical infrastructure operators;
- employees of enterprises that ensure the functioning of such facilities;
- persons who suffered directly at critical infrastructure facilities while performing their official or professional duties;
- employees who built or maintained defensive engineering and fortification structures;
- family members of deceased or dead employees.
In this way, the state will cover more categories of employees who ensure the stable operation of key industries even during wartime.
What payments does the law provide for?
The draft law specifies the procedure for granting and paying one-time cash assistance in the event of:
- injury or disability;
- death of an employee while performing professional duties;
- establishment of a higher disability group after a repeat medical examination.
In such cases, the state will compensate for the difference between the amount already paid and the new level of assistance.
The list of family members who can receive compensation in the event of an employee’s death has also been expanded.
Important change: the period for receiving benefits has been extended
The new law stipulates that the right to receive a one-time benefit will be valid:
- throughout the entire period of martial law;
- as well as for three years after its end or cancellation.
This will allow victims or their families to apply for compensation even after the end of hostilities.
Why was it necessary to pass the law?
The practice of applying the previous law No. 2980-IX revealed a number of problems. Some of the affected employees were unable to receive compensation due to:
- legal loopholes;
- lack of status as an entity in the official register;
- the uncertain status of enterprises in liquidation;
- the complexity of the procedures for processing payments.
The new law should eliminate these problems and ensure equal access to social protection.
How much money is allocated for payments
Funding will be provided from the state budget through a program of the Ministry of Social Policy.
In particular:
- UAH 960 million was allocated for 2024 and 2025;
- as of December 2025, only UAH 115 million has been used;
- the new law will be implemented using funds that have already been allocated but not used.
This means that no additional burden on the budget is expected.
What will change for critical infrastructure workers
The adoption of draft law No. 14303 will allow:
- expand access to compensation;
- ensure fair payments to victims;
- strengthen social protection for employees working in hazardous conditions;
- guarantee support for the families of those who have died.
The law is expected to increase trust in the state and provide additional guarantees for people who support the country’s vital functions during the war.
