Funeral benefit in Riga

If the deceased was both a pensioner and a recipient of benefits, a single benefit is provided, based on the higher amount. The funeral benefit is transferred to the recipient's specified bank or postal account. A claim for the benefit can be submitted within 12 months of the date of death.

In the event of the death of a pensioner spouse, payments are made by the Riga Social Service. The surviving spouse is entitled to a monthly allowance equal to 50% of the deceased's pension for 12 months after death. Additionally, if the deceased was a recipient of a pension from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the consular section of the Russian Embassy will provide relatives with a funeral allowance equal to three months' pension, subject to the provision of financial documents confirming funeral expenses.

If the deceased belonged to the following categories of citizens eligible for benefits: World War II veterans, victims of political repression (political prisoners, deportees), Chernobyl victims, honorary citizens of the city/locality, or former employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (army, rescue services), benefits or partial compensation may be available. Assistance options available to the above categories of citizens include:

1. free or discounted cemetery plot;
2. free or discounted burial in a family grave;
3. partial compensation for a monument or slab (rare and within a limited amount).

How to apply for a funeral benefit in Riga

If you wish to apply for a funeral benefit yourself, you must submit an application to any branch of the State Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) requesting its provision, along with the deceased's death certificate. This right is granted to both the relatives of the deceased and the person actually responsible for organizing the funeral. The benefit is only available if the deceased was an insured person (employed), unemployed, a pensioner, or a recipient of state social assistance.

Documents required to receive a funeral benefit

• application;
• copy of death certificate (with presentation of the original);
• copy of the decision of the State Social Insurance Agency (with presentation of the original) or a certificate from another institution confirming that the funeral benefit was not paid, or indicating the amount of the benefit paid;
• Document confirming that the deceased was not employed and/or did not receive a pension at the time of death (if necessary);
• original documents confirming funeral expenses Services.

Assistance in Obtaining a Funeral Benefit in Riga

The Riga City Funeral Service will process all required documents for receiving a funeral benefit at the branches of the Riga State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA). When a funeral benefit is granted, an order from the VSAA is issued, indicating the amount of the benefit, which is then forwarded to the client. If you have any questions about applying for a funeral benefit, please call our number 24/7 at +371 2944 9849.

Riga Funeral Industry News