Instead of a certificate, internally displaced people will receive an extract from the electronic register. The scope of state support will be based on an assessment of actual needs. Pensions will be assigned and paid under the general rules. Internally displaced people will be able to use local democracy tools on an equal basis with other residents of their communities. These are just some of the new provisions.
On 22 July 2026, the Law No. 4924-IX “On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons”, signed by the President and adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on 1 July 2026, was published in the newspaper Holos Ukrainy. The law will enter into force three months after its publication, on 22 October 2026. This article provides a detailed overview of the key changes.
An extract instead of a certificate
Instead of a certificate confirming registration as an internally displaced person, an extract from the Unified Information Database on Internally Displaced Persons will be introduced. It can be obtained in either paper or electronic form, with both having equal legal validity.
Previously issued paper certificates will remain valid and will not need to be replaced. However, internally displaced people will be able to replace their certificate with an extract if they wish by submitting an application. The electronic extract will be available through an electronic account and digital services, including the Diia app. The specific procedure will be established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. This change will simplify access to public services.
State support based on needs assessment
The law introduces a needs assessment for internally displaced people. The data collected through this assessment will determine the scope of additional state support, including financial assistance for living expenses.
Housing rights
A separate set of changes concerns the housing rights of internally displaced people. The law regulates the operation of collective sites for temporary accommodation and provides for various housing mechanisms, including preferential loans, the purchase or buyout of housing, rental arrangements and other ways of exercising the right to housing.
One of the most important guarantees for residents of temporary accommodation sites is a ban on limiting the period of free temporary accommodation for specified categories of internally displaced people during martial law and for six months after its cancellation or termination.
Payments under general rules
The legislative changes provide for pensions to be assigned and paid to internally displaced people under the general rules. The procedure will not depend on the date of displacement and will not require confirmation that the person does not receive a pension from the pension authorities of the Russian Federation.
Participation in community life, healthcare and education
Internally displaced people are recognized as residents of the territorial communities where they live and have the right to participate in addressing matters of local importance.
Other new provisions include the right of internally displaced people to psychological assistance, rehabilitation and health improvement services at their place of residence. Children who are internally displaced are guaranteed access to education in the form chosen by their parents.
The role of IDP Councils
The new version of the law provides for the establishment of IDP Councils and other consultative and advisory bodies as instruments for the participation of internally displaced people in decision-making at the local and regional levels.
All proposals and recommendations developed and submitted by IDP Councils and other advisory bodies must be considered by the authority under which they were established.
New grounds for deregistration
Prolonged stay abroad will become a ground for deregistration as an internally displaced person. This applies when a person stays outside Ukraine for more than 90 consecutive days or for more than 180 days in total during a year, except for justified reasons approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.