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

Procedure for Receiving an Unpaid Pension After the Death of a Pensioner

Part 1 of Article 52 of the Law of Ukraine No. 1058-IV provides that pension amounts that remained unpaid due to the pensioner's death may be paid, including for the month of death, to eligible family members who lived with the pensioner on the date of death, subject to the requirements established by law.

Eligible family members should apply for the unpaid pension of a deceased pensioner within six months from the date of opening of the inheritance.

If there are no eligible family members or if they do not apply for the unpaid pension within the statutory six-month period, the pension amount that remained unpaid due to the pensioner's death becomes part of the deceased person's estate and may be inherited in accordance with Ukrainian inheritance law.

The payment of pension benefits through banks is regulated by Ukrainian legislation, including the applicable procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. To receive the unpaid pension, the applicant must contact the relevant authority of the Pension Fund of Ukraine and submit the required documents.

The amount payable after the pensioner's death generally includes the pension that was due to the pensioner and remained unpaid up to and including the month of death, subject to the applicable statutory rules.

How can an unpaid pension after the death of a pensioner be received?

Payment of an unpaid pension following the death of its recipient is made in accordance with the procedure established by the Pension Fund of Ukraine and applicable legislation, including through authorized banking institutions where required.

To apply, an applicant may submit an application for payment of the unpaid pension personally or through an authorized or legal representative. Depending on the available procedure, documents may also be submitted remotely or electronically through the web portal of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

The following documents may be required:

• an application for payment of the unpaid pension;
• the applicant's passport or another identity document;
• the pensioner's death certificate;
• the deceased pensioner's pension certificate, if available;
• documents confirming the applicant's family relationship with the deceased, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate;
• a duly executed power of attorney or other document confirming the representative's authority if the application is submitted by a representative.

Where the unpaid pension has become part of the inheritance, the heir will generally need to provide documents confirming their identity, the pensioner's death certificate and a certificate of inheritance confirming the right to receive the relevant inherited amounts.

The period for processing an application and making the relevant payment is determined by the applicable legislation and administrative procedures of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The actual processing time may depend on the circumstances of the case and whether all necessary documents have been submitted.

Payment of the unpaid pension may be refused, in particular, where:

• the applicant has failed to submit all documents required to establish the right to receive the unpaid pension;
• the documents contain inaccurate, contradictory or insufficient information;
• the applicant has not established their legal entitlement to receive the relevant pension amounts.

If the Pension Fund of Ukraine refuses to pay an unpaid pension following the death of a pensioner, the legality of such refusal may be challenged. Depending on the circumstances, the applicant may protect their rights by submitting an appropriate complaint and/or challenging the Pension Fund's decision before an administrative court.