In Ukraine, certain categories of citizens can receive what is known as the thirteenth pension. It is important to understand that this payment is not an additional pension for all retirees, but has a specific purpose and calculation procedure.
This is reported by Finway
What is the Thirteenth Pension and Who is Entitled to It
The term “thirteenth pension” in Ukraine refers to the unofficial name of a monetary payment that the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) transfers to the relatives of a deceased pensioner. If a person who was receiving a pension did not manage to receive their pension funds due to death, the right to receive this money belongs to their family members.
The payment is designated only for those relatives who lived with the deceased at the time of their death. This right is also granted to non-working family members who were supported by the pensioner. Thus, the “thirteenth pension” is essentially the last payment to the individual, which legally passes to the heirs under certain conditions.
“In other words, if a pensioner did not manage to receive their pension payments due to physical death, their family members can claim them. This applies only to those who lived with the deceased at the time of their death, even if they themselves were not working and were supported by the pensioner.”
Procedure for Applying for the Thirteenth Pension in Ukraine
To receive this payment, relatives must contact the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The application can be submitted in person at a PFU branch or online through the official portal. When applying, it is essential to provide a package of documents that includes:
- the death certificate of the pensioner;
- a document confirming the family ties with the deceased;
- the applicant’s passport;
- the bank account number for fund transfer;
- documents proving cohabitation with the pensioner at the time of their death.
If the applicant is a non-working family member supported by the deceased, additional confirmation of this fact must be provided. The date of application to the PFU is considered the date of submission of the application—regardless of whether it was done electronically through the portal or in person at the branch.
If the application is approved, the payment is made to the bank account specified in the documents or through the “Quick Penny” system at any branch of Oschadbank.