Can a Wife Receive Her Deceased Husband’s Pension in Ukraine?
A married couple may spend many years together, but unfortunately, sooner or later, one spouse may pass away. This is particularly relevant for elderly couples where both spouses are already receiving pensions. The death of a spouse may occur for many different reasons, including illness, advanced age, or an accident. Each situation is individual from both a personal and legal perspective. Since the amount of pension received by each spouse may differ considerably, an important question often arises: can a wife receive her deceased husband's pension in Ukraine? Another important question is: under what circumstances can a wife receive pension benefits following her husband's death?
Ukrainian pension legislation provides for such a possibility in the form of a survivor's pension. Under Ukrainian law, a survivor's pension may be granted to eligible family members who are considered unable to work, provided that the statutory requirements are satisfied. In particular, the deceased breadwinner may be required to have accumulated the necessary insurance record, except in circumstances where Ukrainian legislation provides otherwise.
Under Ukrainian pension legislation, a wife may be regarded as an eligible family member if, among other statutory conditions, she has reached the applicable retirement age or has a qualifying disability. Ukrainian legislation also provides survivor's pension rights for certain other categories of family members, including children and other eligible dependants, subject to the requirements established by law.
The amount of a survivor's pension in Ukraine is particularly important. Where a survivor's pension is granted to one eligible family member, it is generally calculated at 50% of the old-age pension that the deceased breadwinner would have been entitled to receive, subject to the applicable statutory rules and the individual circumstances of the case.
The date from which a survivor's pension is granted also depends on when the application is submitted. If the application is filed within the period established by Ukrainian legislation, the pension may be awarded from the day following the death of the breadwinner. Therefore, it is important not to delay submitting the relevant application and supporting documents to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
Where the surviving spouse has reached retirement age and meets the other statutory requirements, a survivor's pension may be granted for the period provided for by Ukrainian pension legislation, including on a permanent basis in cases prescribed by law.
To apply for a survivor's pension, the applicant must submit an appropriate application and the required supporting documents to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to provide documents confirming the death of the spouse, marriage, insurance record, family relationship, and the applicant's entitlement to the relevant pension.
Every survivor's pension case has its own circumstances. If you need assistance with obtaining a survivor's pension after the death of a husband in Ukraine, the lawyers of our Pension Center can analyze your situation, determine your eligibility, prepare the necessary documents, and assist you in dealing with the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
