Ukrainian Pension Fund to Increase Funeral Benefit to 8,500 Hryvnias in 2026.

Changes to the Funeral Benefit Amount

According to Novyny.live: The Ukrainian Pension Fund (Pension Fund of Ukraine, PFU) plans to raise the funeral benefit to 8,500 hryvnias in 2026. This increase is tied to the rising cost of living and is mandated by changes under Law No. 4695-IX 'On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2026'. This adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to update social support payments in line with economic changes.

According to the new data, the burial benefit for insured individuals will be set at 8,500 hryvnias. The subsistence minimum for non-working individuals in 2026 is defined as 2,595 hryvnias. Furthermore, the coefficient for the increase in the subsistence level from 2017 to 2026 is 2.08, indicating a gradual rise in this benchmark.

Documents Required to Receive the Benefit

The changes in the benefit amount aim to update the legally regulated payment sums. The provision of funeral payments is stipulated by Law No. 1105-XIV 'On Mandatory State Social Insurance'. This is intended to support the relatives of the deceased who may claim the benefit following the loss of a loved one.

To receive the funeral benefit, the relatives of the deceased must provide several documents, including:

• Passport and identification code;
• Death certificate;
• Application for benefit assignment;
• Extract from the State Register of Civil Status Acts or a death certificate;
• Bank account details for the funds transfer.

The right to receive the benefit is granted to the spouse, children, brother, sister, and grandchildren under 18 years of age or older if they became disabled before turning 18 (brothers, sisters, and grandchildren — provided there are no able-bodied parents). If they are students, the age limit extends to 23. Parents, grandparents in the direct line of kinship are also eligible.

These innovations are designed to provide more adequate financial support to families during the difficult time of losing a relative.

The increase in the funeral benefit is a significant step towards social support for the population, especially in conditions of rising prices and reduced purchasing power. This decision also reflects the need to adapt social payments to changes in the economic situation and living standards, which can positively impact the well-being of families facing such challenging circumstances.