What Documents Do Ukrainians Need to Apply for Benefits in Lithuania?

Introduction: Social Benefits in Lithuania for Ukrainians

With the onset of the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians were forced to seek refuge and new opportunities abroad. Lithuania, as a neighboring EU member state, has become one of the destinations for many Ukrainian citizens. In addition to basic rights to reside and work, Ukrainians in Lithuania may be eligible for certain social benefits designed to ease their lives and adaptation. However, as in any country, a specific set of documents is required to obtain these benefits. This article will help clarify what documents Ukrainians might need to apply for social benefits in Lithuania and what to pay attention to when preparing them.

It is important to understand that the social security system is complex and subject to change. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult official sources – the Lithuanian Social Insurance Board (Sodra) or local authorities – for the most up-to-date information. However, general principles and types of documents remain relatively stable.

Types of Social Benefits for Ukrainians in Lithuania

Depending on individual circumstances, Ukrainians in Lithuania may be eligible for various types of social support. The most common include:

• Unemployment benefits: If you lose your job in Lithuania, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
• Family benefits: This can include child benefits, child-rearing allowances, etc.
• Temporary incapacity benefits: In case of illness or injury leading to loss of work capacity.
• Disability benefits: If you have been granted a disability status.
• Housing subsidies: Assistance with utility payments or rent.

The specific list of available benefits depends on Lithuanian legislation and the conditions applicable to third-country nationals, particularly Ukrainians residing legally in the country.

Main List of Documents for Applying for Benefits

To apply for any social benefits in Lithuania, Ukrainians will generally need to prepare a standard set of documents. This list may vary depending on the type of benefit, but the main items are as follows:

1. Identity document: This could be a Ukrainian passport (internal or international) or a temporary/permanent residence permit in Lithuania.
2. Document confirming legal stay in Lithuania: This could be a visa, residence permit, or another document issued by the Lithuanian migration authorities. For Ukrainians granted temporary protection, this will be the relevant document.
3. Personal identification code certificate (personal code): In Lithuania, every resident is assigned a unique personal code used for identification in various state institutions.
4. Documents confirming marital status and family composition: Marriage certificate, birth certificates of children.
5. Documents confirming income: Salary statements, bank account statements, certificates of other types of benefits received.
6. Documents related to the specific benefit: For example, for unemployment benefits – employment record book, certificate from the employer regarding dismissal. For disability benefits – medical documents, disability assessment certificate (from Ukraine) or equivalent documents from Lithuania.

Important: All documents issued by Ukrainian authorities that are not bilingual or do not have an official translation into Lithuanian must be properly translated. 

Translation of Documents: Key to Success

One of the important aspects of submitting documents to Lithuanian authorities is ensuring that they are properly translated. Depending on the requirements of the specific authority, documents issued in Ukrainian or another foreign language may need to be translated into Lithuanian. This may apply to birth and marriage certificates, income documents, employment records, medical documents, and other paperwork.

Types of Translation and Certification:

• Standard translation: prepared by a translator or translation agency in accordance with the requirements of the authority to which the documents are submitted.

• Certified translation: where required by the relevant authority, the translation may need to be certified in accordance with the applicable procedure. The specific form of certification depends on the type of document and the procedure for which it is being submitted.

• Apostille: Ukrainian official documents submitted in Lithuania are generally exempt from apostille and legalization requirements under the bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Lithuania. However, the requirements concerning the translation of such documents may be determined by the specific Lithuanian authority.

• Consular legalization: where legalization is required for particular documents, the applicable international rules should be followed. For official documents between Ukraine and Lithuania, a bilateral agreement provides for exemption from legalization and apostille requirements.

Where to Get a Translation? It is recommended to use a translation agency or translator experienced in handling official documents and familiar with the requirements of Lithuanian authorities. Before ordering a translation, it is advisable to check with the relevant authority whether certification is required and, if so, what form it should take. This will help ensure that the documents are properly prepared for submission to Sodra, a municipal authority, or another Lithuanian government institution.

Specific Considerations for Ukrainians: Temporary Protection and Its Impact

Ukrainians who arrived in Lithuania after 24 February 2022 and have obtained temporary protection have access to the social rights provided by law and certain simplified procedures when dealing with administrative matters. However, applying for a specific benefit or service may still require evidence of the relevant circumstances and the submission of supporting documents.

Important to Remember:

• Lithuanian legislation on temporary protection and the relevant EU regulations define the rights and obligations of Ukrainians benefiting from temporary protection in Lithuania.

• Documents issued in Ukraine may be used to confirm the relevant circumstances. Where required, they should be accompanied by a Lithuanian translation in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authority. Official documents between Ukraine and Lithuania are generally exempt from apostille and legalization requirements under the bilateral agreement between the two countries.

• Applying for social assistance: depending on the type of benefit or service, documents may need to be submitted to a municipality, Sodra, or another competent authority. It is therefore important to check the requirements of the specific institution processing the application in advance.

For example, when applying for benefits related to a child, applicants may need to provide an identity document, the child's birth certificate, and other documents depending on the specific type of assistance. If the documents were issued in Ukraine, a Lithuanian translation may be required in accordance with the authority's requirements.

Legal Aspects and Legislation

When applying for social assistance in Lithuania, Ukrainians are entitled to rights provided under Lithuanian legislation, international agreements, and relevant European Union rules. The key legal frameworks include:

• The Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania on Social Security. It regulates certain aspects of social security, including pensions, family benefits, unemployment benefits, and benefits related to sickness and maternity.
• The Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Matters. It regulates legal cooperation between the two countries and, in particular, provides for the exemption of official documents from legalization and apostille requirements.
• European Union legislation on the coordination of social security systems. It establishes rules for coordinating social insurance coverage and related rights, particularly when a person has worked or been insured in different EU countries.
• Lithuanian national legislation, which sets out the conditions for receiving social assistance, family benefits, social insurance, unemployment benefits, and social services.

Specific requirements depend on the type of benefit and the applicant's individual circumstances. Before submitting an application, it is therefore advisable to check the current requirements of Sodra, the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour, or the relevant municipal administration.

Conclusion: Preparation is the Key to Success

Applying for social benefits in Lithuania for Ukrainians is a process that requires attention to detail and thorough document preparation. Understanding the types of benefits, the required documentation, and the importance of quality translation and proper certification are key steps towards receiving the necessary support.

We recommend familiarizing yourself in advance with the requirements of the specific institution you plan to contact and, if necessary, using the services of professional translators and legal consultants. This will help avoid mistakes and speed up the processing of your application.