Serhii Melnyk: We urge families of fallen service members not to delay submitting documents to receive the compensation payments

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine provides clarification on the procedure for receiving service remunerations that were due to a service member but had not been received before they were killed in action (KIA) or declared missing in action (MIA).

This procedure is regulated by the Ministry of Defence Order “On the Approval of the Procedure for the Payment of Service Remuneration to Personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Certain Other Individuals.”

The Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk, underscored the importance of timely submission of applications by the families of service members: “The state guarantees social protection for the families of service members who have sacrificed their lives for Ukraine. We urge families not to delay in submitting the necessary documentation to claim their entitled payments in accordance with established procedures.”

According to the Deputy Minister, the state guarantees the transfer to the relatives of funds due to a service member at the time of their death, as well as any payments they were entitled to receive. The payments are made by the military unit in which a fallen service member served.

Payments are distributed to relatives in a clearly defined order of priority:

1. Spouse of a fallen service member;
2. Adult children who resided with a fallen service member, or legal representatives of minor children or persons with disabilities, regardless of age;
3. Parents of a fallen service member.

In the absence of individuals from the preceding category, eligibility passes to the next in line. If there are multiple individuals within the same category, the funds are distributed equally among them. In the absence of the aforementioned categories, payments are disbursed to legal heirs in accordance with the applicable laws.

In the event of a service member’s death, their family may be eligible to receive:

• Monthly service remuneration (up to the day of death or declaration of missing in action);
• Additional remuneration in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 168;
• Health assistance, if not already used;
• Financial assistance for addressing social and household needs;
• Monetary compensation for unused leave days;
• Reimbursement for funeral expenses, ceremonial services, and the installation of gravestones.

Payments are issued based on an order from the commander of a military unit, following an application by family members or heirs. Funds are transferred to personal accounts specified in the application.

Important note: Applications must be submitted no later than three years from the date of death or the date a court ruling takes effect.