“The Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia has recorded an increase in cases where housing owners receive state compensation for accommodating people with dočasné útočisko (temporary protection) — and at the same time continue to charge rent from the same people.” This was reported by the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia, urging Ukrainians to be vigilant.
What is the essence of the fraud?
Since April 2022, Slovakia has introduced a housing assistance program for Ukrainians who received temporary protection (dočasné útočisko). This assistance is paid directly to housing owners (individuals and legal entities) who provide free accommodation. From 2022 to 2024, more than 102 million euros were spent on these compensations, of which 27.7 million came from the European Social Fund (ESF+).
However, as the Ministry of the Interior found, some owners do not comply with the program conditions. Common fraud schemes include:
Double payment: Owners receive compensation from the state and at the same time demand rent from Ukrainians. This is strictly prohibited by law, as housing under the program must be provided free of charge.
Compensation for absent persons: Arranging payments for periods when a person with temporary protection (dočasné útočisko) has already left Slovakia or does not live at the specified address.
Private owners receive 5 euros per night per person aged 15 and over and 2.50 euros per person under 15, while organizations receive 10 euros and 5 euros respectively. The monthly compensation limit ranges from 390 to 900 euros for individuals and from 710 to 1800 euros for legal entities.
What to do if you encounter fraud?
If you rent housing and suspect that your landlord is simultaneously receiving state compensation and charging you rent, it is important to act. You can be a witness to a crime, not an accomplice.
Contact the landlord: Try to clarify the situation directly with the housing owner. There may be a misunderstanding.
Report to the Ministry of the Interior: If the conversation does not lead to results or you are sure of the fraud, report it to the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia. Criminal proceedings have already been opened against some unscrupulous owners, as this concerns fraud with state funds, some of which come from the EU.
Remember that the status of dočasné útočisko in Slovakia was automatically extended until March 4, 2028. This means that support programs continue to operate, and Ukrainians have the right to free housing if the owner receives state compensation for it.
