What to do if your apartment was damaged by an explosion wave – a step-by-step guide

When a home is damaged by an explosion, the first few hours are critical. The ability to receive compensation through the state program "eRecovery" depends on how quickly and correctly the owner documents the damage. The algorithm of actions is defined by the resolution. Cabinet of Ministers No. 381, but in practice, people often get confused and miss important steps. Lawyer Iryna Skrypka explains LIGA.net what to do immediately, how to properly document damages, and where to turn. The full guide is available in the complete version of the material.

First steps after apartment damage

According to lawyer Iryna Skrypka, compensation for damaged property is provided through the e-service "eRecovery" in the "Diia" app, in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 381 of April 21, 2023.

The expert emphasizes that the owner must first ensure technical and informational readiness to submit the application. Key steps include:

1. Install the Diia Portal mobile app and complete electronic identification.

This is a mandatory condition for the further use of the "eRecovery" public service.

2. Submit an information notice (if not submitted previously).

If a report has already been filed, you need to select one of them. This report is the "starting point" from which the state records the fact of the damage.

3. Check whether the apartment is registered in the State Register of Real Property Rights.

If the property is not in the Register, the ownership must be registered. This is a common problem: compensation will not be provided if the state formally has no data that the property belongs to the applicant.

4. Open a special account (if compensation for repairs is planned).

This is an account with a special usage regime in one of the partner banks of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Funds are credited to it, which can only be used for building materials or repair services.

5. Select the "eRecovery" service in Diia.

6. Submit an application via Diia.

The application must contain a complete list of data:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Contact details
• Tax ID or passport details
• UNR (if available)
• special account number (for repairs)
• regular account number (for compensation for repairs already performed)
• address of the damaged object
• information about priority right
• data on the repair work carried out (if any)

7. Obtain the consent of the co-owners. In the case of joint ownership, consent must be provided electronically via "Diia" or in paper form with a notarized signature. The consent of a co-owner who is a foreigner or a stateless person is not required.

8. Confirm that there are no restrictions, provided for By order (in particular, information that may prevent the receipt of compensation).

9. Generate an extract on the absence/presence of a criminal record through the Ministry of Internal Affairs system – this is done automatically in Diia.

10. Receive an automatic notification in Diia register the application and monitor the commission's requests – if necessary, promptly provide additional documents or clarifications.

"Starting the procedure in Diia is the first and most important step. People often complain that there's a lot of paperwork, but it's the electronic recording that allows you to move through the procedure faster. If for some reason it's not possible to apply online, there's always a paper option through a ASC or a notary," says Iryna Skrypka.

Paper-based submission: when and how to use it

The resolution provides for the possibility of submitting an information notice and application in paper form – through the administrator of the Administrative Service Center, an official of the social protection authority, or a notary. On the day of application, the administrator:

• establishes the identity and authority of the representative (if a representative is applying);
• fills out the application in "Diia" on behalf of the applicant;
• prints out the registered application and ensures that it is signed by the recipient of the compensation;
• issues a copy of the application with a registration number and a digital code.

How to properly document damage: photos, videos, geolocation

Lawyer Iryna Skrypka emphasizes that it is necessary to document the object in as much detail as possible from all sides, and always with reference to the terrain.

What to be sure to film:

• the exterior of the house (facade, windows, walls)
• Interior of the premises
• Close-ups of the damage: cracks, shattered windows, traces of the shockwave.
• debris, fragments, consequences of the fire (if any)
• address plate, apartment number
• make panoramic videos to capture the scale

What documents are needed and who signs them?

To apply for compensation for damaged housing, one application in Diia is sufficient. It includes:

• Full name;
• Date of birth;
• Contact details (phone number, e-mail);
• Taxpayer identification number (TIN) or passport details for individuals who do not have a TIN;
• UNRN (unique record number in the Unified State Demographic Register);
• IBAN of a special account (for compensation for repairs) or IBAN of a current account (for reimbursement of repairs already completed);
• the location of one damaged object from the information message;
• information on the existence of a priority right to receive compensation;
• information about the repair work carried out (if any).

Caption:

• when submitting online – signed by the owner in the app
• when submitting through the Administrative Service Center – signed by the representative if they are acting under a power of attorney

"When documents are submitted by a representative, it is critical to verify that the system contains the data of both the representative and the owner, and that the application includes all necessary IBAN accounts. Most problems arise due to errors in the details," adds Skrypka.

Who to notify about the damage first

According to lawyer Iryna Skrypka, if property is damaged, the owner's first step should be to notify the relevant authorities. In particular, it is important to notify the police to record the fact of damage due to military actions, the local administration to organize aid points for victims, as well as the State Emergency Service and medical services, if necessary.

If you have an insurance policy that covers military risks, the lawyer advises you to also inform the insurance company about the occurrence of an insured event. Such a quick response helps not only to record the consequences of the explosion but also facilitates further compensation through the state program "eRecovery".

Filing deadlines: when you can apply for compensation

The legislation distinguishes between applications for destroyed and damaged property.

• For destroyed property (Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine on Compensation), an application must be submitted during martial law and within one year from the date of its termination or cancellation in the respective territory.
• For damaged property (Resolution No. 381), the procedure through "eRecovery" operates within the program – applications are submitted electronically through "Diia" in accordance with the established procedure.

The difference between partial damage and total destruction: what additional documents are needed

There are two regulations that should be taken into account:

• Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 381 (21.04.2023) – procedure for providing compensation for the restoration of damaged property through "eRecovery".
• Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 600 (30.05.2023) – procedure for providing compensation for destroyed real estate.

For damaged property (partial destruction)

A standard package of confirmations is required: an informational message, an application in "Diia", photo/video evidence, consent of co-owners (if necessary), and account details. The procedure is simpler, and funds are credited as compensation for restoration according to a checklist.

For destroyed property (total destruction)

The package of documents is more extensive. The following are added to the standard ones:

1. A copy of the document confirming ownership of the object. (if the ownership is not registered in the State Register).
2. Documents regarding the construction project – in the case of a destroyed construction object: documents confirming the right to perform construction works (if the information is not available in the Unified State Electronic System in the Field of Construction).
3. Purchase/Investment Agreements in cases of an unfinished or future object.
4. Housing cooperative documents – for properties purchased through a cooperative but not yet registered.
5. Certificate of Inheritance – if submitted by the heir.
6. Documents confirming the priority right to compensation, if it exists.
7. Photo and video materials of the object before and after destruction (if available).

Responsibilities of the compensation recipient and restrictions on the use of funds

The recipient of the compensation for repairs is obliged to:

• comply with the requirements of the Procedure, in particular, the targeted use of funds for the purchase of construction products and payment for works specified in the checklist;
• comply with the requirements of urban planning legislation and take into account the recommendations of the technical inspection of the facility;
• implement measures to minimize the negative impact on human health and the environment during work (the list is in Appendix 3 to the Procedure);
• after completing the work according to the checklist, submit a notification in Diia;
• facilitate the verification and monitoring of the use of funds.

The recipient of compensation for repairs already completed must confirm that they have not received monetary or material assistance for the same repair work from charitable organizations, local self-government bodies, or other sources that could be reimbursed under the Procedure.

The most common mistakes when applying for compensation and how to avoid them

Among the most common mistakes made by apartment owners when applying for compensation through the "eRecovery" program, there are several key points:

• Delaying the recording of damages. People wait for days, and in the meantime, the evidence can change.
• Lack of geolocation and address tagging in photos and videos.
• Incomplete or inaccurate data in the application, especially errors in the IBAN, will block the payment.
• Incorrect registration of ownership rights or their absence in the State Register.
• Missing messages from the commission in Diia delays the review.
• Starting repairs before submitting an application and without documenting them complicates verification and may lead to a refusal of reimbursement.
• Incorrectly choosing the type of application (e.g., filing for a destroyed object instead of a damaged one) leads to additional requirements.