How to Receive Unpaid Pension Payments After the Death of a Pensioner in Ukraine

Receiving pension payments that remained unpaid after the death of a pensioner can be a challenging issue in Ukraine. A lack of funds within the pension system, difficulties when submitting documents, and lengthy waiting periods for payment can make the process particularly burdensome. Previously, the situation was further complicated by the requirement to submit all documents specifically to the territorial office of the Pension Fund of Ukraine where the deceased pensioner had been registered.

The issue of unpaid pensions became particularly widespread from 2017 onward, as parts of the eastern regions of Ukraine were occupied and many people living in those territories did not relocate to government-controlled territory. As a result, their pension payments were suspended.

In addition, under the internal procedures previously applied by the Pension Fund of Ukraine, all documents required to receive unpaid pension amounts had to be submitted to the territorial office of the Pension Fund where the deceased pensioner had been registered. In practice, many relatives of deceased pensioners had permanently relocated to central Ukraine but, following the death of a relative, were still required to travel to cities near the conflict zone simply to submit a relatively small package of documents.

This territorial approach to submitting documents remained in place until the end of September 2021. Recognizing the significance of the problem, the Pension Fund of Ukraine issued Letter No. 2800-03-02-02-9/47223 dated September 21, 2021, to its territorial offices, explaining that documents for receiving unpaid pension amounts could thereafter be submitted on an extraterritorial basis. This means that the required documents may be submitted to any convenient territorial office of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, regardless of where the deceased pensioner was registered. The documents will be processed accordingly, and the unpaid pension amounts due following the pensioner's death may be paid to the eligible person.

What documents are required to receive unpaid pension amounts after the death of a pensioner?

• the pensioner's death certificate;
• a document confirming the family relationship with the deceased (for example, a marriage certificate or birth certificate);
• an identity document of the applicant.

This procedure is generally not particularly complicated. However, if you encounter any difficulties in obtaining unpaid pension amounts after the death of a pensioner, you can contact our company, and we will be happy to assist you.