The BPD provision system is a state network of access points to legal services throughout Ukraine, as well as the ability to receive assistance by phone or online.
What help can undocumented people get?
Primary legal aid (free for everyone):
• consultations and clarifications on legal issues, including the procedure for restoring documents, establishing identity, confirming citizenship, and exercising other rights.
• assistance in drafting applications, appeals, complaints and other legal documents.
Secondary legal aid (for categories of persons defined by law):
• representation of interests in courts, state authorities and local self-government bodies, preparation of procedural documents for applying to court to obtain (renew) identity documents.
Importantly!
The following are also entitled to free secondary legal assistance on all issues, in particular:
- internally displaced persons;
- people with low income: able-bodied people - if the average monthly income is less than 6656 UAH; unable to work (pensioners by age, years of service, etc.) - if the income is less than 5190 UAH;
- persons with disabilities - if the pension or allowance assigned instead of a pension is less than 6,656 UAH;
- war veterans, family members of deceased war veterans, Defenders of Ukraine;
- children;
- as well as victims of domestic violence on issues related to protection from violence and others.
The full list of categories is defined in Article 14 of the Law of Ukraine «On Free Legal Aid».
How to apply to the BPD provision system
Services can be received remotely or in person.
Remotely:
- by phone 0 800 213 103. Lawyers are available on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 Kyiv time. Calls are free.
- in writing through Telegram, Viber, Facebook Messenger or official website.
In person:
- at the legal aid bureau, regardless of the place of residence. Legal aid bureaus operate throughout Ukraine, except in regions where hostilities are ongoing. Location and information about the working hours of legal aid bureaus — on the map.
- at consultation points for access to BPD, which operate in the premises of state authorities, local governments, social protection agencies, specialized institutions, in places of compact accommodation of internally displaced persons in regions where there are no hostilities. Addresses and opening hours of consultation points here.
Do I need to pay anything for the services?
No. The services of lawyers and advocates of the BPD system are paid for from the State Budget of Ukraine. If necessary, a person pays only the court fee or the cost of conducting examinations, if they are assigned in the case.
How can you help?
If you know someone without documents, help them contact the nearest legal aid office or recommend that they seek advice remotely.
