What benefits do IDP children have and how to use them
18 June 2024 21:30
Due to the full-scale invasion of the Russian Armed Forces, many Ukrainians have become internally displaced. Their children, as a vulnerable category, are entitled to benefits. What kind of benefits and how to use them was analysed by [Kommersant].
The rights of children of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are guaranteed by the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons”.
The first right enshrined in this law is the right to protection from forced internal displacement or forced return to the place of abandonment. IDP children have the right to permanent residence in Ukraine.
The second right is the right to be registered as an IDP. An application for registration may be submitted by the displaced person or through his/her legal representative. The third right is the right to receive documents confirming the identity and citizenship of Ukraine.
The fourth right is the right to social protection, which includes the resumption of social benefits and the provision of social services. The fifth right is the right to rehabilitation, including the right to receive rehabilitation aids and rehabilitation services.
The sixth right is the right to continue education, with the possibility of obtaining a certain level of education in other regions of Ukraine at the expense of the state budget or other sources of funding. Finally, the seventh right is the right to free meals while studying in various educational institutions.
What benefits do IDP children have in Ukraine?
According to the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, IDP children are currently offered the following:
Priority enrolment in pre-schools and schools
IDP children and those who have the status of a child affected by hostilities and armed conflicts have this right. This refers to state/municipal institutions of preschool and general secondary education.
Free meals in educational institutions
In order to obtain this right, you should contact the administration of the educational institution and provide copies of the child’s IDP certificate or a decision on establishing the status of a child affected by hostilities and armed conflicts.
Free rehabilitation or recreation
Parents/legal representatives of the child who have the Diia mobile application installed will receive a notification of this opportunity automatically. Those who have not installed the application can receive information from the social protection authorities at the place of registration as IDPs.
Social scholarships at vocational pre-university and higher education institutions
Priority accommodation and discounts on accommodation in student dormitories
Some educational institutions also provide discounts on accommodation fees. Information about this can be obtained from the admissions office of the higher education institution or directly from the dormitory manager.
Concessional student loans
Children of IDPs and children living in settlements on the contact line who are enrolled in contractual education at vocational (vocational-technical), professional higher education and higher education institutions may receive a preferential loan for education on the basis of a relevant agreement. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to submit a written application to the admission committee of the educational institution.
