Benefits for combat veterans for real estate, housing and communal services, garbage removal, work in Moscow in 2021

One of the areas of social policy of our state is to support citizens who took part in military conflicts. We are talking about benefits for combatants. The unstable geopolitical situation does not help reduce real military conflicts.

The number of citizens who took part in them is not decreasing. All of them need special care from the state. The purpose of this concern is not only to create a mechanism for helping veterans, but also, to a greater extent, to recognize the services of citizens to the fatherland.

The areas in which assistance is provided are varied.

Support measures cover the areas of pensions and social security, and payment of taxes. How the state supports combatants and what benefits it provides them will be discussed in this article.

Member status

The basis for providing social support measures to citizens who took part in wars is the recognition of their status as a combat veteran. The criteria for classifying a person into this category of beneficiaries are listed in Article 3 of Law No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation.

Currently, the list of circumstances with which the law connects the right to obtain veteran status contains seven points.

Almost all citizens who took part in the Afghan war, Chechen wars, and other armed conflicts on Russian territory, as well as those who performed military duty in Syria, are included in the corresponding items on the list.

Citizens are included in the preferential category depending on the nature and conditions of their performance of official duties during armed conflicts.

The second criterion is the fact that the state officially recognizes the armed conflict as hostilities. The list of wars whose participants are recognized as veterans is given in the appendix to the law.

This list is constantly being updated. The latest changes take into account the participation of our country’s armed forces in the Syrian conflict. Discussions are underway about providing benefits to volunteers who took part in the conflict in Donbass.

Cash payments and benefits

Despite the fact that not all combat veterans are entitled to financial support from the state, the majority of such citizens are entitled to monthly cash payments.

In 2021, the monthly payment amounted to 2,972.82 rubles, taking into account GST.

The size of the monthly cash payment is indexed once a year from February 1, taking into account rising consumer prices.

Documents giving the right to benefits

The formal document giving the right to benefits to combatants is a certificate. Veteran status is not automatically assigned; the interested person must contact the department in which he served during combat operations.

Appeals from military personnel are considered in the manner determined by Ministerial Order No. 2288. Special commissions are created in the Armed Forces to consider the issue. Applicants send them a report, and civil servants send an application.

Appeals are written to the immediate supervisor. Reservists and retirees send applications through military commissariats.

The report must contain:

• FULL NAME. the applicant;
• personal number;
• rank;
• job title;
• date of birth;
• information about periods of combat missions and territory.

The following must be attached to the application:

• two 3x4 photo cards;
• copy of the passport;
• documents confirming the circumstances specified in the report.

Supporting documents are:

• orders or extracts from them;
• military tickets;
• order books;
• other documents.

The appeal must be considered by the commission no later than thirty days after registration of the report. The review period may be extended, but not more than thirty days. The applicant will be notified of the extension of the deadline.

The decision of the commission is formalized in a conclusion, which serves as the basis for issuing a certificate. In particularly difficult cases, when local commissions cannot make decisions on their own, the documents are sent to the central commission.

In these circumstances, consideration of the appeal may still take thirty days, without taking into account the time of correspondence.

How to receive payment

By law, the obligation to pay is assigned to the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation. Therefore, to receive benefits, you must contact the territorial office at your place of residence with a certificate and application. The Pension Fund of the Russian Federation has entered into an agreement to provide this service to the MFC; they also accept applications for payment.

It is possible to submit an application electronically through a personal account on the government services portal, and subsequently through the personal account of the insured person on the official website of the Pension Fund.

Social and pension benefits

Basic benefits for combatants are guaranteed by Law No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation. Let's take a closer look at them.

Conventionally, veterans who participated in wars can be divided into three groups:

• the first includes the persons listed in subparagraphs 1 – 4 of paragraph 1 of Article 3 of the law;
• to the second, specified in paragraph 5;
• to the third - in paragraphs 6 and 7.

The volume of benefits provided directly depends on the grounds for acquiring veteran status by a citizen.

For ease of perception, the description of preferences is grouped by relevant categories of citizens. Let us immediately note that the largest number of benefits are provided to veterans included in the first group.

Benefits for all categories

Phone installation

The development of cellular communications has made access to telephony services simple and easy. However, installation of landline telephones still poses difficulties. The phenomenon of queuing remains, due to the technical capabilities of urban telephone exchanges. Veterans should have a home telephone installed as a priority.

Advantages of joining cooperatives

Until December 31, 2021, veterans enjoy benefits when joining various cooperatives and non-profit associations. After this date, the benefit will be changed to preferential provision of land.

The implementation of this right is not associated with the imposition of monetary obligations on the state. Preference consists only of granting the right to priority receipt of a land plot, the grounds on which it is provided and the conditions for its allocation are established by general legislation.

Annual holiday at a convenient time

According to the rules established by the Labor Code HA, annual leave is provided according to a schedule that takes into account both the interests of the employer and the wishes of the employee.

In other words, the specific vacation time is a subject of agreement.

Military veterans have the right to request leave at a time convenient for them. The employer is obliged to provide them with such an opportunity.

Funeral services

Funeral expenses for veterans are financed from the funds of the departments in which they served in military or other service.

Departments pay for:

• preparing the body for transportation;
• services for transporting the deceased;
• cremation and burial services;
• making a monument;
• installation of a tombstone.

Funeral services are paid in an amount not exceeding 18,980.00 rubles, and in Moscow or St. Petersburg - 26,280.00 rubles.

The cost of work on the manufacture and installation of monuments should not exceed RUR 32,803.00. (see resolution No. 460). In life, the relatives of the deceased themselves bear these expenses, and subsequently apply for compensation for them.

It is very important to keep all financial documents confirming your expenses. Without them, it will be impossible to receive a refund.

Social benefits

Some citizens fall not only under the category of BD veterans, but also under other categories that are entitled to social benefits. In this case, payments are made exclusively on one of the grounds at the choice of the citizen himself or, based on data about which benefit is larger in size.

Funeral services

In the event of the death of a citizen who has a UBD or VBD certificate, relatives have the right to financial assistance from the state for the funeral of the veteran.

Services for burial, delivery of the body and its preparation for burial, cremation, production and installation of the monument are carried out with funds from the federal budget. To receive benefits, you must contact the Pension Fund.

Relatives can independently choose the burial place, even if it is located outside the place of permanent or primary residence of the deceased.

Benefits for categories 2 and 3

Preferential provision of vouchers

Veterans from the second or third categories have a priority right to receive referrals for vacation to sanatorium-resort institutions.

The basis for granting benefits is a medical report containing recommendations for sanatorium treatment. In this case, there are no grounds for providing compensation for the cost of vouchers.

The conditions for the state’s participation in such veteran’s expenses are determined by other legal acts.

Legal basis

VBDs who are recognized as in need of improved housing conditions and who were registered before 01/01/2005 have a priority right to receive real estate. They may also be offered monetary compensation for the purchase of living space. Housing is provided for social rent with compensation of 50% of the cost of utilities and rent. The benefit does not depend on the number of people living in the same living space with him.

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Financial

Participants in military conflicts in Asian and African countries (Mozambique, Algeria, Tajikistan, Angola, Syria, Abkhazia and others) can also count on support from the state. A complete list of such countries is given in Section III of the Appendix to the Federal Law.

It will be more difficult to obtain a veteran’s certificate for those soldiers whom the country sent at a certain period of time to secretly fulfill their international duty in various countries, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Angola, Syria , etc.

Benefits for categories 1 and 2

Housing

The legislator modestly and quietly limited housing benefits for veterans.

1. Firstly, only veterans from the first or second group have the right to housing.
2. Secondly, housing is only provided in limited cases.

The procedure for improving the living conditions of veterans of the first group depends on the date of their registration as needy persons. Those on the waiting list before the beginning of 2005 are provided with housing using funds coming to the regions from the federal budget in the form of subventions.

Citizens who apply for help after this date can apply for state assistance on the general basis listed in housing legislation. In practice, this means that before January 1, 2005, the basis for granting benefits was the need to improve living conditions, after that - only the general grounds provided for other citizens.

Currently, a veteran can apply for help only if he is recognized as indigent.

The amount of funds allocated for the needs of veterans from group 1 is based on the norm of 18 square meters and the average cost of one meter in the regional market. Accommodation may be provided in kind.

According to the veteran's application, the cost of compensation may be paid to him in cash, but the calculation will not change.

Veterans of the second group can apply for assistance only in two cases:

• upon eviction from service housing;
• if they are disabled, and only during combat.

The question of the constitutionality of the provisions of the law, which provide for different grounds for providing veterans with housing (depending on the period of registration), was considered by the Constitutional Court.

The Supreme Judicial Collegium found no contradictions and recognized the legal norms as consistent with the basic law.

Maintaining the right to service in medical organizations

It is no secret that the quality of care provided in departmental medical institutions is often much higher than in similar “civilian” institutions.

This is not due to the level of qualifications of the personnel, but to a greater extent to the level of technical equipment of the organization. At the same time, the specialization and experience of doctors who are constantly faced with “combat” diseases, knowledge of the patient’s medical history, also play an important role in quality treatment.

Veterans have the right to continue treatment and monitoring their health in departmental medical organizations

Extraordinary medical care

Modern practice of organizing medical care is based on the principles of insurance medicine. Financing of treatment of citizens is subject to strict compulsory medical insurance rules.

The state does not have the practical ability to provide treatment to everyone at once; queues of patients inevitably arise waiting for their places in hospitals or medical centers.

Veterans are exempt from this expectation. After a face-to-face consultation, the decision to admit for treatment must be made seven days in advance.

The lack of a real opportunity to admit a veteran for treatment does not deprive him of the right to benefits; the medical organization is obliged to refer him to another hospital.

Vacation at your own expense

Working participants in local wars have the right to additional unpaid leave. The duration of such rest cannot exceed 35 days. The wording of the law is somewhat different from the provisions of the Labor Code regarding the procedure for granting unpaid leave, but the meaning does not change. Leave is granted upon application of the veteran, at a time convenient for him.

Vocational training and retraining

If necessary, the employer has the right to send a veteran for training in a profession or advanced training. The law assigns the costs of paying for the services of educational institutions to the employer. In practice, this means that the employer under no circumstances can impose on the veteran to compensate him for all or part of the expenses incurred.

Payment for renting premises

If a citizen with preferential status lives in premises under a social rental agreement, then he is entitled to compensation in the amount of 50% of the amount of the agreement. For example, if the payment for the maintenance of the premises is 2000 rubles per month, then the compensation will be 1000 rubles.

To receive this benefit, you must contact the Social Security Administration with documents to write an application.

The documents you will need are:

• combat veteran certificate;
• identification document of the beneficiary;
• social rental agreement;
• bank account number.

The processing time for an application is on average 15-30 days, after which the applicant is either awarded compensation or receives a refusal. If approved, compensation for renting residential premises will be returned to the citizen’s account monthly.

If the USZN issues a refusal to the applicant, then such a decision can be challenged. For example, if a citizen is sure that he was refused unlawfully. In this case, all documents must be submitted to a higher authority or court.

Housing

To implement such a measure of support for veterans, federal legislation enshrines the right of subjects to independently determine the procedure for providing funds for the construction or purchase of residential premises by veterans in need of improved housing conditions.

This measure most often involves the issuance of a certificate or certificate of subsidy for the purchase of residential property. At the same time, the legislation clearly establishes that the size of the premises for which the certificate is issued is 18 square meters. The benefit is provided exclusively to the combat veteran himself, and the benefit extends to his family in the event of the death of a veteran or disabled combat veteran while performing military service duties, death in captivity, or recognition as missing in combat areas.

The final size of the certificate is influenced by the cost of one square meter of living space in a specific subject of the Federation. In 2021, this cost was 43,374 rubles.

How to get a benefit

To receive a cash payment, you must contact the Administration at your place of residence with several documents:

• passport;
• veteran's certificate;
• a certificate from Rosreestr confirming the absence of residential premises;
• statement.

The period for reviewing documents is 30 calendar days. Municipal authorities create lists of needy beneficiaries, which are subsequently transferred to the regional body responsible for providing housing. Some regions may require additional documents.

The money is not given to the applicant; it is usually transferred to the account of the seller of the residential premises. You can purchase housing both on the secondary and primary markets.

The certificate can be used as part of the payment for a purchase. The remaining amount, if the apartment or house is larger than established by law, the citizen can contribute independently from personal or credit funds.

A number of requirements are also imposed on the purchased housing; it must comply with technical and sanitary and hygienic standards, be well equipped; if housing under construction is purchased, then most often the regions impose a requirement that such housing is at least 70% ready.

Benefits for category 1

EDV

Direct participants in the battles, sappers, soldiers of automobile battalions and pilots who supported military operations in Afghanistan, that is, citizens included in the first group of veterans (see above), must be paid a fixed amount of money every month (see paragraph 3 paragraphs. 4 Article 23.1 5-FZ RF). In 2018, the additional payment is 1,741.47 rubles.

If, on the grounds listed in other laws, the veteran is entitled to another payment, he must choose which one he will receive. An exception is made only for Chernobyl victims and participants in nuclear weapons tests. These categories of citizens can enjoy two benefits at the same time. Within the framework of the law under consideration, out of several additional payments, the largest one is automatically assigned.

To apply for additional payment, you must contact the Pension Fund. Payment is assigned from the day the application is submitted. Annual indexation of the EDV is carried out automatically.

Pension benefits

The status of a veteran of local wars provides the right to receive an increased pension (see Article 45 No. 4468-1).

The benefit is established for pension payments assigned by the state in the following cases:

• by length of service;
• on disability;
• loss of a breadwinner.

Not all participants in military conflicts are entitled to this benefit. Only veterans of the first group, specified in subparagraphs 1–4 of paragraph 1 of Article 3 No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation, receive an additional payment to their pension.

The pension provision of these citizens is increased by 32% of the calculated pension amount. From the point of view of a pensioner, an unpleasant feature of the Russian pension system is the limitation of benefits.

A citizen who has the right to simultaneously receive several pensions must choose which payment increases or additional payments will be applied to.

Payment for housing

Veterans must be compensated for utility costs (see clause 5, clause 1, article 16 5-FZ of the Russian Federation). The compensation amount is 50%. The benefit applies to the following payments:

• for renting an apartment or room;
• for the maintenance of the premises (including expenses for common property);
• collection for major repairs.

The benefit applies to all family members living with the veteran. Compensation is not provided to persons from the third veteran group specified in subparagraphs 5 - 7 of paragraph 1 of Article 3 of Law No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation.

The mechanism for implementing this benefit is established in the constituent entities of the federation. The federal budget only finances relevant activities.

Provision of prosthetics

The state provides veterans with prosthetic and orthopedic products. The procedure for providing them is established by Resolution No. 240.

The state accepts the obligation not only to issue the necessary product to the veteran, but also to pay for the following activities:

• repair or replacement of the product;
• travel of the veteran with an accompanying person to the manufacturer of prostheses for fitting or fitting;
• accommodation of a veteran, if the product must be manufactured on an outpatient basis;

Instead of paying for travel, the veteran may be provided with monetary compensation. If a person independently applied for the manufacture of a medical device, the cost of expenses incurred by him is compensated according to established standards.

The scope of this assistance depends on the content of the individual rehabilitation program. A government agency does not have the right to impose a specific product model on a veteran.

If a person has decided to use a certain product from a specific manufacturer, he has the right to independently purchase it, and then exercise the right to compensation.

Out of turn

Veterans should be served out of turn at communications institutions, theaters and other cultural and educational organizations, sports clubs, and swimming pools. The sale of travel tickets should also be carried out on a priority basis.

Perhaps this preference at the moment is more of a symbolic gesture than a real benefit. With the development of computer technology, standing in queues for tickets has long become a thing of the past.

You can use your status only by going to the ticket office. Get real benefits by asking to sell tickets from your reservation.

Tax benefits

The original version of Law No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation contained a direct reference to providing tax benefits to war veterans. In the current version there is no such provision; the conditions and procedure for preferential taxation are currently regulated by the Tax Code of the Russian Federation.

Unlike the law, the code does not make the receipt of a specific benefit dependent on the official duties performed by the veteran during the armed conflict.

Personal income tax

With regard to this tax, the Code exempts from taxation the amounts of monthly income received by Afghans and other veterans of armed conflicts (see paragraph 69 of Article 217 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation). In addition to exemption from payment, a tax deduction of 500 rubles is provided for veterans.

By this amount, the tax withheld by the employer from the veteran’s wages must be reduced every month (see clause 2, clause 1, article 218 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation). When paying taxes independently, a citizen has the right to independently indicate the amount of deduction in the declaration.

State duty

Veterans have the right to defend their rights in accordance with Law No. 5-FZ of the Russian Federation in court. Such appeals are not paid with state duty (see clause 3, clause 2, article 333.36 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

Transport tax

The size and basis of tax benefits for transport tax are established in each subject of the federation independently.

Deputies of St. Petersburg exempted war veterans from paying tax for one car if its engine power does not exceed 150 horsepower or if the car is older than fifteen years (regardless of power).

In Moscow, the benefit is provided for cars with a maximum power of 200 horsepower, regardless of the year of manufacture. Sevastopol authorities limited the benefit to cars with an engine capacity of up to 100 horsepower.

Land tax

The federal benefit for veterans of the Chechen and other wars does not differ from the standard one provided to other preferential categories of land tax payers. Six hundred square meters are exempt from tax throughout Russia.

The existence of the right to a benefit must be confirmed by the tax office by sending an application and supporting documents to it.

Local authorities have the right to establish additional benefits for combatants. In the Northern capital, one plot of land was exempted from taxation, regardless of its size. The benefit will cease to apply if the land is leased. Moscow has limited the benefit to 1,000,000.00 rubles deducted from the cadastral value of the site.

Property tax

Real estate owned by veterans of local wars is not subject to tax. When using this benefit, it should be taken into account that only one of the objects listed in Article 401 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation is exempt from taxation.

Therefore, if a property has two garages, only one of them, at the veteran's option, may be exempt.

To use the benefit, combatants must submit to the inspection an application in the established form and documents confirming their veteran status. The choice of taxable object must be made before the first of November.

Failure to declare a choice does not deprive the right to benefits. In this case, the Federal Tax Service will independently apply the provisions of the code to the object for which the maximum tax will be calculated.

Where to go to apply for benefits for combat veterans in Moscow

Depending on what benefits you plan to receive for combat veterans, you can contact the following departments:

Important! Most benefits and payments can also be applied for at the branch of the Multifunctional Center closest to your home - this is often the fastest and most convenient way to submit documents due to the large number of “windows” and an electronic queue. Follow the link to see → list of MFC branches in Moscow.