Financial support for burying pensioners in Ukraine
Ukraine's state social insurance system offers a burial benefit for pensioners, designed to ease the financial burden on their relatives after death. The payout amount varies depending on the deceased's status. For civilian pensioners, the benefit equals two months of the pension they were receiving at the time of death. For military pensioners, the sum is three months of their pension, but it cannot be less than five times the subsistence minimum for able-bodied individuals.
This benefit is not provided if the funeral was fully covered by the state. For civilian pensioners, the application must be submitted by the person who arranged and paid for the burial. In the case of military pensioners, family members or other individuals who took on the organizational and financial responsibilities can file the application.
How to apply for the benefit
There is no legal deadline for submitting the benefit claim. To process the payment, applicants must provide the following required documents:
- a written application;
- an extract from the State Register of Civil Status Acts regarding the death, or a death certificate;
- the applicant's passport;
- the taxpayer registration card number;
- bank account details in IBAN format.
If the death occurred outside Ukraine, applicants must submit a death certificate or another document issued by a competent foreign authority.
For benefits related to military pensioners, additional documentation from the funeral service is required to confirm that the burial was not state-funded. To complete the process, a personal visit to any service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine is mandatory. This procedure is governed by the Law of Ukraine 'On Compulsory State Pension Insurance' and Law No. 2262, which provide the legal basis for receiving burial assistance.
Receiving a burial benefit is a key element of social support for pensioners in Ukraine, as it helps reduce the financial strain on relatives during the difficult period of losing a loved one.
The legal framework for this process ensures that all necessary steps and documents are clearly defined, simplifying access to the benefit for the deceased's family. It also underscores the state's commitment to supporting its citizens in challenging times by making social payments more accessible.
In addition to burial benefits, families may also explore options for claiming outstanding subsidies that were not received by the deceased. Understanding the process for obtaining these funds can provide crucial financial support during a difficult time. For detailed information on how to navigate this process, refer to our article on claiming unpaid subsidies after a recipient’s death.