eVidnovlennia for everyone: housing compensation without tax identification numbers

Due to their religious beliefs, Daria* and Mykhailo* had previously refused to obtain tax identification numbers, as evidenced by the corresponding marks in their passports. Their home in Zaporizhzhia was damaged as a result of hostilities, and they wanted to repair it using compensation provided under the state eVidnovlennia programme.

However, submitting an application through the Diia mobile application requires a tax identification number, making this route seem impossible. This became the main barrier to applying for compensation.

The family then sought legal assistance from the NGO STEP. Lawyer Danylo explained to Daria* and Mykhailo* that an application could be submitted not only through the Diia mobile application, which requires a TIN, but also through the state web portal Diia, where registration can be completed through an alternative procedure. Danylo helped the mother and son obtain qualified electronic signatures (QES), register on the Diia web portal, and submit an electronic information notice regarding their damaged housing, followed later by an application for compensation.

However, another obstacle emerged: a technical error in the portal prevented them from providing consent online and instead directed them to contact a notary. For a family facing financial hardship, the unexpected costs of notarial services became a significant barrier to obtaining compensation.

The lawyer submitted a request to the Diia State Enterprise asking for the technical issue to be resolved. As a result, the problem was fixed—not only for this family. This case became an example of how an individual appeal can improve access to services for a wider group of people.

What changed in November 2025?

According to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1525 dated 26 November 2025:

1. one co-owner may submit an application for compensation;
2. such an application is automatically considered to have been submitted on behalf of all co-owners;
3. the other co-owners do not need to provide additional consent unless they object within 15 days.

These changes have significantly simplified access to the programme for many families, particularly those whose co-owners live abroad or have limited access to digital services.

* The names have been changed to protect personal data.

** The image is illustrative and does not depict the specific events described in this story.

The provision of free legal aid in Zaporizhzhia Oblast became possible thanks to the partnership between the NGO STEP and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), with funding from the European Union.