Payments to the families of fallen soldiers

The family of a fallen servicemember may be entitled to a one-time cash benefit (OCB), a survivor’s pension, the status of a family member of a fallen Defender of Ukraine, and other social guarantees. However, these payments and statuses are not granted automatically and are not always processed by a single authority.

Families most commonly apply specifically for the one-time cash benefit in the amount of UAH 15 million. At the same time, it is important to correctly determine who is eligible for the payment, what documents need to be collected, where to submit the application, and what to do if documents are “stuck,” a dispute has arisen among relatives, or the authority refuses to grant the benefit.

In brief: what payments the family of a fallen servicemember may receive

The family of a fallen servicemember may apply for several different types of benefits and payments. They do not replace one another and have different procedures for obtaining them.

The primary payment most commonly discussed is the one-time cash benefit in the event of the death or demise of a servicemember related to the defense of the Homeland during martial law. In such cases, the benefit amount may be UAH 15 million. This amount is distributed among the persons entitled to receive it.

In addition to the OCB, the family may be entitled to:

• a survivor’s pension;
• the status of a family member of a fallen Defender of Ukraine;
• funeral assistance;
• local support programs;
• benefits and social guarantees after obtaining the relevant status.

For example, the wife and children of the deceased may simultaneously apply for the one-time cash benefit, a survivor’s pension, and status for social guarantees. However, these are separate procedures, separate document packages, and often separate reviewing authorities.

Who is entitled to payments for a fallen servicemember

Spouse of the deceased

The official wife or husband of a fallen servicemember may be entitled to a share of the one-time cash benefit. The primary document confirming the spouse’s right is the marriage certificate.

Problems often arise if:

• the marriage was dissolved before the death;
• there is a dispute between the official spouse and a common-law partner;
• relatives disagree on the distribution of shares;
• after the servicemember’s death, a family member attempts to challenge another recipient’s right.

If the marriage was officially registered and had not been dissolved at the time of death, this significantly simplifies confirmation of entitlement. If, however, the couple lived together as a family without registering the marriage, the situation is more complex and often requires judicial confirmation.

Children of the fallen servicemember

The children of a fallen servicemember may be entitled to payments. This includes minor children, adult incapacitated children, adopted children, and children born after the servicemember’s death.

To confirm entitlement, a birth certificate or another document confirming parentage or adoption is typically required.

If the child is a minor, documents are submitted by their legal representative. In such cases, it is important to correctly state the account details, confirm the representative’s authority, and avoid errors in the documents, as this may delay the review process.

Parents and adoptive parents

The parents of the deceased may also be entitled to a share of the benefit. To establish this, they must confirm their family relationship with the servicemember. Most commonly, such a document is the birth certificate of the deceased, which lists his or her parents.

Disputes may arise if:

• one of the parents did not participate in the upbringing;
• there is a conflict between the parents and the spouse of the deceased;
• documents contain different spellings of the full name;
• the fact of adoption needs to be confirmed;
• one relative believes that another has no right to a share.

In such situations, it is important not to limit oneself to verbal explanations, but to collect documents and record all communication in writing.

Dependents, common-law partner, and other persons

A common-law partner, a civil wife or husband, as well as persons who were financially dependent on the deceased, may not always receive the payment automatically. In many cases, it is necessary to separately prove the fact of cohabitation as a family unit, financial support, or other legally significant circumstances.

Most commonly, this requires a court ruling or other proper evidence: documents confirming joint residence, shared expenses, financial dependency, caregiving, child-rearing, jointly owned property, etc.

Therefore, if the family lived without an official marriage, it is not advisable to immediately submit an incomplete document package and wait for a denial. It is better to first assess what specific facts need to be confirmed and whether a court application is required.

Personal directive of the servicemember

A servicemember may have left a personal directive specifying to whom the one-time cash benefit is to be paid in the event of his or her death. Such a directive may affect the distribution of the benefit among recipients.

At the same time, there are categories of persons who have a protected right to a share regardless of the content of the personal directive. Such persons may include young children, minors, adult incapacitated children, an incapacitated widow or widower, and incapacitated parents. According to the Ministry of Defense, such persons are entitled to 50% of the share that would have been due to them in the absence of a personal directive.

Applicant	What establishes entitlement	Primary documents
Wife or husband	Official marriage to the deceased	Passport, RNOKPP (tax ID), marriage certificate, death certificate, application, bank details
Children	Parentage, adoption, or incapacity	Birth certificate, documents of legal representative, incapacity documents if applicable
Parents	Family relationship with the deceased	Birth certificate of the deceased, passport, RNOKPP, application, bank details
Adoptive parents	Fact of adoption	Court ruling or other adoption document
Dependents	Financial dependency on the deceased	Court ruling or other documents confirming dependency
Common-law partner	Cohabitation as a family unit without marriage	Judicial confirmation of cohabitation as a family unit is often required

Benefit amount: when the family may receive UAH 15 million

In which cases is UAH 15 million granted

The one-time cash benefit in the amount of UAH 15 million applies to cases of death or demise of a servicemember during martial law, where such death or demise is related to the defense of the Homeland. It is important not to confuse this payment with other types of assistance, pensions, compensation, or payments in the event of a death unrelated to the performance of tasks in defense of Ukraine.

The circumstances of the death, documents from the military unit, the death record entry, materials of the official investigation, and other supporting documents are of key importance.

How the amount is paid after September 1, 2025

For cases of death officially recorded by a death record entry dated September 1, 2025 or later, the total amount of the one-time cash benefit remains unchanged — UAH 15 million.

However, the payment procedure has changed:

Period / situation	How the benefit is paid
Death recorded by a death record entry from 01.09.2025	UAH 3 million is paid as 1/5 of the benefit
Remaining amount	UAH 12 million is paid over 80 months
Approximate monthly payment	Approximately UAH 150,000 per month
Total amount	UAH 15 million remains unchanged

The Ministry of Defense has clarified that the updated procedure applies specifically to cases where the death is officially recorded by a death record entry dated September 1, 2025 or later.

Cases where death was recorded before September 1, 2025

If the death record entry was drawn up before September 1, 2025, the procedure and timelines for payment remain under the previous rules. Therefore, it is important for the family to verify not only the date of document submission, but specifically the date of the death record entry.

This has practical significance, as relatives sometimes focus on the date of their application to the TCC or the military unit, even though the date of the official death record may be the determining factor for establishing the payment procedure.

How the amount is divided among multiple recipients

If several persons are entitled to the benefit, the amount is distributed among them in corresponding shares. As a rule, this involves equal distribution among recipients, unless there is a personal directive or other legal circumstances affecting the shares.

One of the relatives may waive their share. However, such a waiver must be properly formalized, typically by a notary. If a dispute arises among family members regarding the right to the payment or the size of shares, the matter may be resolved through court proceedings.

Where to apply for the payment

If the deceased served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

If the fallen servicemember served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the family typically applies to the district TCC and SP (Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support). Importantly, the application may be submitted regardless of the place of registration, if the family actually resides in another city, is an IDP, or has changed their place of residence.

The TCC accepts the documents, reviews the package, and forwards it for further consideration to the competent authorities. If problems arise with submitting an application, having documents accepted, or receiving a response, assistance with the TCC may be required.

If the deceased served in the National Guard, SBU, SBGS, DIU, or another formation

If the servicemember served not in the Armed Forces of Ukraine but in the National Guard, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), the Foreign Intelligence Service, or another military formation, the application procedure may differ.

In such cases, documents may be submitted directly to the relevant authority or military formation. Therefore, before submitting an application, it is necessary to clarify which authority is specifically competent in a given situation.

This is important because submitting documents to the wrong authority can delay the process by months.

Can documents be submitted outside the place of registration

Yes, in many cases the family may apply not at their place of registration, but at their actual place of residence or stay. This is particularly relevant for IDPs, families who have relocated to another city, or persons residing abroad.

If a family member is outside Ukraine, it is advisable to verify in advance how to formalize a power of attorney, copies of documents, translations, or consular documents, if required.

What documents are required to receive payments

Basic document list

To apply for the one-time cash benefit, the following are typically required:

• application for the benefit;
• passport or ID card of the applicant;
• RNOKPP (tax identification number);
• death certificate of the servicemember;
• documents confirming family relationships;
• bank account details;
• consent to the processing of personal data;
• documents from the military unit or competent authority;
• other documents depending on the specific situation.

The exact list depends on who is applying: a wife, husband, child, parents, dependent, common-law partner, or another person.

Documents confirming the right of a specific relative

For a wife or husband, the primary document is the marriage certificate.

For children — a birth certificate, adoption documents, or documents confirming incapacity, if the matter concerns an adult incapacitated child.

For parents — the birth certificate of the fallen servicemember.

For dependents or a common-law partner, court rulings or other evidence may be required confirming cohabitation as a family unit, financial support, or other legally significant circumstances.

Documents from the military unit

Some documents are generated not by the family but by the military unit or relevant authority. These may include extracts from orders, documents regarding the circumstances of death, materials from the official investigation, confirmation of the connection between the death and the defense of the Homeland, and other official documents.

If the family is unable to obtain such documents independently, a military lawyer may submit attorney requests and assist in officially obtaining the required information.

Common document errors

The most frequent errors that delay the review process or create a risk of denial:

• different spellings of the full name across documents;
• absence of a document confirming the family relationship;
• incomplete document package;
• missing bank account details or incorrectly stated details;
• failure to confirm the fact of financial dependency;
• a common-law couple submitting documents without judicial confirmation;
• absence of documents from the military unit;
• relatives submitting multiple conflicting applications;
• failure to retain copies of submitted documents;
• absence of an incoming reference number or confirmation of application submission.

It is better to correct such errors before submitting the documents rather than after the family has received a denial or waited months for a response.

Step-by-step procedure for applying for the payment

1. Collect primary documents and determine which family members are eligible to apply.

At this stage, it is necessary to verify the death certificate, documents confirming family relationships, passport data, RNOKPP, bank account details, and other basic documents.

2. Submit an application to the TCC and SP or the relevant authority.

If the deceased served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the application is typically submitted to the TCC and SP. If he or she served in another formation, documents may be submitted to the relevant authority or military structure.

3. Await document review.

The authority reviews the package, requests additional materials if necessary, and forwards the documents to a higher authority, the Ministry of Defense, or another competent body.

4. Receive a decision granting the payment or a written explanation regarding deficiencies.

If documents are insufficient, the family must be informed of what specifically needs to be added or corrected.

5. In the event of delay, denial, or dispute — act in writing.

It is necessary to obtain a written response, submit an attorney request, file a complaint, or go to court depending on the situation.

Review and payment timelines: how long to wait for the money

Review timelines depend on the completeness of the documents, the TCC’s or relevant authority’s verification, the availability of documents from the military unit, the commission’s decision, and the receipt of budget funds.

It is not possible to honestly guarantee that the payment will be granted within a specific number of days in every case. In practice, the process may be delayed due to an incomplete document package, a dispute among relatives, data errors, the absence of official documents, or complex circumstances surrounding the death.

If documents are “stuck,” one should not limit themselves to verbal phone calls. It is necessary to:

• submit written applications;
• retain copies of applications;
• record incoming reference numbers;
• demand a written response;
• submit attorney requests if needed;
• appeal the authority’s inaction.

Written documentation is precisely what makes it possible to subsequently demonstrate when the family applied, what documents were submitted, and why the delay is unjustified.

What to do if the servicemember is missing in action or the body has not been found

Is UAH 15 million paid immediately upon MIA status

The mere fact of a servicemember being reported missing in action does not mean the one-time cash benefit is automatically granted as in the case of death. For an OCB in connection with death, legal confirmation of the fact of death or demise is required.

Therefore, it is important not to confuse the one-time benefit for the family of a fallen servicemember with other payments that may be processed for the family of a missing servicemember.

Payments for the family of a missing servicemember

The family of a missing servicemember may be entitled to other ongoing payments related to the servicemember’s monetary allowance. However, payments for the family of a missing servicemember are processed under a separate procedure with different grounds, documents, and application procedure.

If a servicemember has gone missing, the family needs to separately verify:

• whether an official notification of disappearance has been issued;
• what documents have been provided by the military unit;
• whether applications have been submitted to the competent authorities;
• which family members are eligible to apply;
• whether there are grounds for processing ongoing payments.

Establishing the fact of death

If the body has not been found or identification is ongoing, it may be necessary to establish the fact of death or have the person declared deceased through court proceedings. In such cases, documents from the military unit, materials regarding the circumstances of the disappearance, DNA identification results, notifications from competent authorities, and other evidence are of key importance.

Following legal confirmation of death, a death record entry is drawn up. This record is what matters for the subsequent processing of the benefit.

If the payment has been denied or is delayed

Reasons for denial or delay

Families most commonly encounter problems due to:

• an incomplete document package;
• a dispute among relatives;
• absence of confirmation of the family relationship;
• absence of confirmation of financial dependency;
• errors in the full name or dates;
• absence of documents regarding the circumstances of death;
• documents submitted to the wrong authority;
• absence of a court ruling for a common-law couple;
• uncertainty regarding the circle of eligible recipients.

Sometimes authorities do not issue a direct denial but effectively fail to move the case forward. In such a situation, it is important not to wait indefinitely, but to document the inaction in writing.

How the family should act

If the payment is being delayed or denied, it is advisable to proceed step by step:

1. Obtain a written response or official explanation.
2. Verify which documents are missing.
3. Correct errors in the full name, dates, account details, or family documents.
4. Submit clarifications or additional documents.
5. Submit an attorney request to the TCC, military unit, or other authority.
6. File a complaint regarding inaction or unlawful denial.
7. Apply to court if necessary.

The key point is not to conduct all communication verbally. Verbal explanations are difficult to prove. Written applications, responses, document copies, and incoming reference numbers create an evidentiary record.

When a military lawyer is needed

A military lawyer is needed not only when a denial has already been issued. It is better to seek assistance if:

• the family does not understand who is entitled to the payment;
• there is a conflict among relatives;
• the deceased lived with a common-law partner;
• the servicemember is missing in action;
• documents from the military unit are unavailable;
• the TCC or authority is not providing a written response;
• documents have been submitted but the review is delayed;
• the family has received a denial;
• a court application is required.

A lawyer helps not merely to “write an application,” but to establish the correct course of action: verify entitlement to the payment, gather evidence, submit requests, eliminate risks of denial, and guide the case through to a decision.

Other guarantees for the family of a fallen servicemember

Survivor’s pension

A survivor’s pension is a separate type of benefit. It is not a one-time cash payment and is processed under a different procedure.

The right to such a pension depends on the individual’s status, family relationship, age, incapacity, and other circumstances. Therefore, even if the family has already submitted documents for the OCB, the pension issue must be addressed separately.

Status of a family member of a fallen Defender of Ukraine

The status of a family member of a fallen Defender of Ukraine may provide access to social guarantees, benefits, and other forms of support. However, the status itself does not replace the one-time cash benefit.

Obtaining this status also requires documents confirming the family relationship, the circumstances of death, and the person’s inclusion within the defined circle of family members.

Funeral assistance and other local programs

Funeral assistance and local support programs may be provided separately. Their conditions depend on the community, local decisions, the status of the deceased, and the documents available to the family.

Therefore, after processing the primary documents, it is worth checking whether the specific city or community has additional support programs for the families of fallen servicemembers.

Why seeking legal assistance is worthwhile

Processing payments for the families of fallen servicemembers is not merely a matter of submitting an application. In many cases, it is necessary to correctly determine the circle of eligible recipients, confirm family relationships, obtain documents from the military unit, take into account the date of the death record entry, verify the personal directive, and avoid errors in the document package.

The lawyers at “Pravovyi Lider” assist with:

• verifying who is entitled to the payment;
• determining what documents are required in your specific situation;
• preparing applications and submissions;
• submitting attorney requests;
• managing communication with the TCC, military unit, or other authority;
• correcting document deficiencies;
• appealing delays, inaction, or denials;
• preparing court applications where necessary to establish entitlement to the payment.

Describe your situation to a lawyer — we will verify who is entitled to the payment, what documents are missing, and what course of action is appropriate in your specific case.

FAQ

Who is entitled to payments for a fallen servicemember?

Entitlement may extend to a wife or husband, children, parents, adoptive parents, dependents, and other persons, provided they confirm the family relationship or right to financial support.

How much is paid to the family of a fallen servicemember in 2026?

In the event of a servicemember’s death during martial law, the OCB amount may be UAH 15 million. For cases with a death record entry dated from 01.09.2025, the payment is made in installments: UAH 3 million upfront, with the remainder paid over 80 months.

How to apply for the UAH 15 million payment for the relatives of a fallen servicemember?

It is necessary to collect the documents, submit an application to the TCC and SP or the relevant authority, undergo document review, and await a decision on granting the benefit.

What documents are required to receive the one-time cash benefit?

Typically required are an application, passport, RNOKPP, death certificate, documents confirming family relationships, bank account details, and documents from the military unit.

Where to apply for the payment: to the TCC or to the military unit?

If the deceased served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the application is typically submitted to the TCC and SP. If he or she served in another formation — to the relevant authority or military structure.

What to do if the servicemember is missing in action and the body has not been found?

The OCB applicable in the event of death is paid after legal confirmation of death. Until then, the family may be entitled to other payments under a separate procedure.

What to do if the family has been denied the payment or the document review is delayed?

It is necessary to obtain a written response, verify the documents, submit clarifications, an attorney request, or a complaint. If necessary, the denial or inaction may be appealed.