Survivor’s Pension in Ukraine: Who Is Eligible and How to Apply

Sooner or later, a person may become entitled to a pension — upon reaching the statutory retirement age, in the event of disability, or following the loss of a breadwinner. This article focuses on the latter type — the survivor’s pension in Ukraine.

Who is entitled to a survivor’s pension and what are the requirements?

First, a survivor’s pension may be granted to disabled or otherwise legally dependent family members of the deceased breadwinner. Such persons may include:

1) a spouse, father or mother who has a disability or has reached the statutory retirement age;

2) children under the age of 18, as well as children over the age of 18 if they acquired a disability before reaching the age of 18;

3) a spouse or, in their absence, one of the parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents — regardless of age and ability to work — provided that such person takes care of the deceased breadwinner’s child until the child reaches the age of 8 and does not work.

In addition to the above categories, adopted children, stepchildren and other family members specified by Ukrainian legislation may also qualify for a survivor’s pension.

Second, as a general rule, the above persons must have been dependent on the deceased breadwinner. This means that they were either fully maintained by the breadwinner or received financial assistance from the breadwinner that constituted their permanent and primary source of livelihood.

If the statutory requirements are satisfied, the relevant family member may qualify for a survivor’s pension.

However, the circumstances of the surviving family member are only one element in determining entitlement to a survivor’s pension. Another important factor is the deceased breadwinner’s insurance record. As a general rule, at the time of death the breadwinner must have acquired the insurance record required for the granting of a Group III disability pension. Certain exceptions are established by Ukrainian legislation, including specific cases connected with persons who participated in and died during the mass protests of the Revolution of Dignity.

Therefore, entitlement to a survivor’s pension depends on a combination of statutory requirements relating both to the deceased breadwinner and to the family member applying for the pension.

ARES Law Firm provides legal assistance with the granting of a survivor’s pension and with transferring from another type of pension to a survivor’s pension. In many cases, documents can be prepared and submitted electronically without the applicant having to personally visit an office of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

Depending on the circumstances, the documents required may include:

1) passport and taxpayer identification number;

2) a document confirming the family relationship with the deceased breadwinner;

3) the breadwinner’s death certificate;

4) documents confirming that the applicant was dependent on the deceased breadwinner. Depending on the circumstances, evidence of joint residence and other documents confirming financial support may be relevant.

For electronic submission of an application and supporting documents, a qualified electronic signature (QES) may also be required. This makes it possible to submit the relevant documents through the electronic services of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.