When a pensioner passes away, their relatives can receive death benefits as stipulated by law. These benefits are crucial for financial support during difficult times. This article will provide detailed information on the benefits available to relatives when a pensioner dies, especially in cases of long-term pensions, such as 35 years.
Death Benefits for Relatives
According to Vietnam Social Security (BHXH) regulations, when a pensioner passes away, their relatives can receive three main benefits: funeral allowance, monthly survivor’s benefit, and one-time survivor’s benefit.
1. Funeral Allowance
Under Article 66 of the 2014 Social Insurance Law, relatives of a deceased pensioner will receive a funeral allowance equivalent to 10 months of the minimum wage. Currently, the minimum wage is 2.34 million VND per month, so the funeral allowance amounts to 23.4 million VND.
2. Monthly Survivor’s Benefit
The monthly survivor’s benefit is a financial support provided to the relatives of the deceased. According to Article 68 of the 2014 Social Insurance Law, the amount is calculated as follows:
- Each eligible relative receives 50% of the minimum wage, which is 1,170,000 VND/month.
- If the relative has no direct caregiver, the benefit increases to 70% of the minimum wage, which is 1,638,000 VND/month.
The maximum number of relatives who can receive the monthly survivor’s benefit is four. Therefore, the total amount that relatives can receive per month is 4,680,000 VND (if there are four eligible relatives) or 6,552,000 VND (if all four relatives have no direct caregiver).
3. One-Time Survivor’s Benefit
In cases where relatives are not eligible for the monthly survivor’s benefit or prefer to receive a lump sum, they can opt for the one-time survivor’s benefit. The amount is based on the duration of the pensioner’s retirement:
- If the pensioner passed away within the first two months of receiving the pension: The benefit is equivalent to 48 months of pension.
- If the pensioner passed away after two months: For each additional month of pension received, the benefit decreases by half a month of pension, with a minimum of 3 months of pension.
For example, if a pensioner passed away after 12 months, the one-time survivor’s benefit would be calculated as:
48 – ((12 – 2) x 0.5) = 43 months of pension.
Specific Case: A 35-Year Pensioner Passing Away
In the case of Mrs. Huong’s mother, who had been receiving a pension for 35 years and has now passed away, her relatives will be entitled to the following benefits:
- Funeral Allowance: 23.4 million VND.
- Monthly Survivor’s Benefit: Eligible relatives will receive the monthly benefit as specified.
- One-Time Survivor’s Benefit: Given the long duration of the pension, the one-time benefit will be at the minimum level, equivalent to 3 months of the pension.
Conclusion
When a pensioner passes away, their relatives can receive funeral allowances, monthly survivor’s benefits, or one-time survivor’s benefits. Understanding these regulations ensures that relatives receive all the benefits they are entitled to. For more details, you can contact your local social security office for assistance.
Source: Dan Tri Newspaper
