Additional leave for service members: who is eligible and whether pay is retained
Additional leave entitlements for service members vary. Both their duration and the retention of service remuneration depend on the service member’s status. The Ministry of Defence clarifies the conditions for granting additional leave and explains who is eligible and under what terms additional days of rest may be taken.
The law clearly sets out who among service members is entitled to additional leave and whether service remuneration is paid during this period.
- Combat veterans, as well as individuals with war-related disabilities
Are entitled to 14 calendar days of additional leave per year.
Important note: Service remuneration (salary) is retained for this period. - Individuals with exceptional merits to the Homeland
May take up to three weeks of additional leave per year at a time convenient for them.
This leave is granted without retaining service remuneration. - War participants
Are entitled to up to two weeks of additional leave per year.
This leave is likewise granted without retaining service remuneration.
Accordingly, when applying for additional leave, service members should consider both the duration of the leave and whether pay is provided during the absence.
Specifics of granting leave during martial law
During martial law, such leave for service members (excluding those in basic military training) may be granted only with the approval of the military unit commander (or head).
In this context, travel time within Ukraine is added to the leave separately—up to two days one-way—and is not counted toward the duration of the leave.
Financial compensation upon discharge
An important provision upon discharge from military service is the entitlement to financial compensation for unused leave. Eligibility for compensation for unused days depends on the type of leave. Compensation is paid only for leave that, in accordance with the law, is granted with retention of service remuneration. Since leave for war participants and individuals with exceptional merits to the Homeland is granted without retention of service remuneration, no financial compensation is provided for such leave upon discharge.