Contents
- Value of the funeral benefit in 2026
- Who can apply for the death benefit
- Required documents — complete list
- Where and how to submit the application
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
- Related Articles
Introduction
We know you are going through an extremely difficult period. The loss of a loved one brings not only pain, but also a series of formalities that can be overwhelming. One of the practical aspects worth knowing about is the right to the funeral benefit 2026 (ajutor de inmormantare) — a financial payment granted by the Romanian state to the person who bore the funeral expenses.
This guide was created to provide you with all the necessary information in one place: how much money you receive, who can submit the application, what documents you need, and where you must go. All data presented are verified and come from the National Public Pension House (Casa Nationala de Pensii Publice / CNPP).
Regardless of whether the deceased person was a pensioner, employee, unemployed, or an uninsured family member, you are entitled to this benefit. Importantly: you do not necessarily need to be a relative of the deceased — it is sufficient to have borne the funeral expenses.
We will present the exact amounts for 2026, the complete list of required documents, and the step-by-step procedure. Our goal is to ease your path through these formalities, so that you can focus on what truly matters — being with your family and loved ones.
The information in this article is current as of 12 March 2026. Amounts and procedures may be modified by subsequent regulations. We recommend also checking cnpp.ro for any updates.
Value of the funeral benefit in 2026
The funeral benefit 2026 (ajutor de inmormantare) is 9,192 lei for insured persons, pensioners, and their family members, and 4,596 lei for family members of uninsured persons. These amounts are established by the state social insurance budget law and have not changed compared to 2025.
Table of death benefit amounts 2026
| Category of the deceased person | Amount granted | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Insured person (employee, self-employed, employment contracts) | 9,192 lei | Employer or County Pension House |
| Pensioner | 9,192 lei | County Pension House (CNPP) |
| Unemployed person (receiving unemployment benefit) | 9,192 lei | County Employment Agency |
| Family member of an insured person or pensioner | 9,192 lei | Employer or County Pension House |
| Family member of an uninsured person | 4,596 lei | County Pension House (CNPP) |
Source: National Public Pension House (CNPP), according to Law no. 263/2010 on the unified public pension system.
What does "insured" and "uninsured" mean?
An insured person in the public pension system is one who:
- carries out activity based on an individual employment contract;
- is a self-employed person (PFA) or individual entrepreneur;
- receives a pension from the Romanian state;
- receives unemployment benefit;
- is on medical leave, maternity leave, or child-rearing leave.
An uninsured person is a family member who has never been employed and does not receive a pension or other social benefits that require payment of contributions to the pension system.
Comparison of amounts in recent years
| Year | Insured/Pensioners | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7,567 lei | 3,784 lei |
| 2025 | 8,620 lei | 4,310 lei |
| 2026 | 9,192 lei | 4,596 lei |
The 2026 amounts increased by approximately 6.6% compared to 2025, under Law no. 44/2026 (effective March 30, 2026). The 2025 increase over 2024 was approximately 14%.
Who can apply for the death benefit
The funeral benefit can be requested by any person who proves they bore the funeral expenses — it is not mandatory to be a relative of the deceased. If multiple persons contributed to the expenses, the benefit is granted to the one who bore the largest portion.
Conditions for insured persons and pensioners
If the deceased person was insured (employee, self-employed, contractor) or a pensioner, the death benefit is 9,192 lei. The application can be submitted by:
- the surviving spouse;
- the children of the deceased;
- the parents of the deceased;
- the guardian or custodian of the deceased;
- any other person who proves they bore the funeral expenses (with supporting documents).
Conditions for family members of uninsured persons
If the deceased person was an uninsured family member of an insured person or pensioner (for example, a minor child, a parent without a pension, a spouse without personal income), the benefit granted is 4,596 lei.
"Family member" is defined by law as:
- spouse;
- children (biological, adopted, in foster care);
- parents;
- grandparents.
What happens if the deceased has no insured status?
If the deceased was neither insured, nor a pensioner, nor a family member of one, the benefit is still granted from the social insurance budget, but at the minimum amount of 4,596 lei. It is important to know that no one is left without this right — the law provides for granting the benefit regardless of the deceased person's insurance status.
Required documents — complete list
To obtain the funeral benefit 2026, you must submit a file with several documents. The exact list may vary slightly from one pension house to another, but the basic documents are the same throughout Romania.
Table of required documents
| Document | Where to obtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard application for death benefit | County Pension House or cnpp.ro | Can be completed on-site or downloaded from the website |
| Death certificate (copy and original) | City hall of the locality where the death occurred | Original presented for verification |
| Applicant's identity document (copy) | — | Valid ID card of the person submitting the application |
| Civil status documents proving the degree of kinship | City hall / Civil Registry | Marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. (if the applicant is a relative) |
| Supporting documents for expenses | Funeral service company | Invoices, receipts, fiscal receipts |
| Deceased's pension coupon | — | Only if the deceased was a pensioner |
| Pension decision (copy) | County Pension House | Only if the deceased was a pensioner |
| Statement of responsibility | Drafted by the applicant | If the applicant is not a relative, declaring they bore the expenses |
Practical tips for preparing the file
- Make copies of all documents before going to the Pension House. Some windows do not have a photocopier.
- Keep all invoices and receipts from the funeral service company, florist, church — any expense related to the funeral.
- Request the death certificate in multiple copies from the City Hall (usually 2-3 certified copies are issued free of charge).
- If the deceased person was a pensioner, you need the last pension coupon or a certificate from the Pension House confirming pensioner status.
Where and how to submit the application
The application for the funeral benefit is submitted at the County Pension House (Casa Judeteana de Pensii) from the county where the deceased was registered (or at the employer, if the deceased was an employee). The legal payment deadline is 3 business days from submitting the complete file.
At the Territorial Pension House (CNPP)
This is the main route for:
- death of a pensioner;
- death of a family member of a pensioner;
- death of an uninsured person.
Steps to follow:
- Identify the County Pension House in the county where the deceased was domiciled.
- Prepare the complete file (see the table above).
- Go to the "Death benefit" window — in some counties it is at the "Benefits and services" window.
- Submit the application and documents. You will receive a registration number.
- The benefit is paid within a maximum of 3 business days from submitting the complete file.
You can check the list of County Pension House addresses on the cnpp.ro website.
At the employer (for employees)
If the deceased person was employed at the time of death, the application can be submitted to their employer. The employer pays the death benefit and then recovers the amount from the Pension House.
Additionally, if an employee requests the benefit for a deceased family member, they can submit the application to their own employer.
Important deadlines
| Deadline | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment deadline | 3 business days from submitting the complete file |
| Application deadline | 3 years from the date of death (statute of limitations) |
| Death certificate validity | Unlimited — but the original must be presented at submission |
Attention: Although the statute of limitations is 3 years, we recommend submitting the application as soon as possible. Documents can be lost, and procedures are simpler when they are recent.
While handling these formalities, you may also consider creating a digital memorial on Kinmory — a permanent place of remembrance for your loved one, accessible anytime by family and friends from everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly is the death benefit paid?
The funeral benefit is paid within a maximum of 3 business days from the date of submitting the complete file at the County Pension House or at the employer. If the file is incomplete, you will be informed of what additional documents are needed, and the 3-day deadline begins from the completion of the file.
Can I apply for the benefit if I am not related to the deceased?
Yes. The funeral benefit can be requested by any person who proves they bore the funeral expenses, regardless of the degree of kinship with the deceased person. You need supporting documents (invoices, receipts) and a statement of responsibility.
Can the funeral benefit be obtained for cremation as well?
Yes, the death benefit is granted regardless of the form of funeral chosen — traditional burial or cremation. The amount remains the same: 9,192 lei for insured persons or 4,596 lei for uninsured persons. Cremation expenses are recognized as funeral expenses.
How long do I have to submit the application for the death benefit?
The statute of limitations for requesting the funeral benefit is 3 years from the date of death. After this deadline expires, the right to request the benefit lapses. We recommend submitting the application in the first weeks after death, when you have all the documents at hand.
Is the death benefit taxable?
No. The funeral benefit is exempt from income tax and social contributions. The amount you receive is net — nothing is withheld from it.
Summary
- Funeral benefit 2026 is 9,192 lei for insured persons and pensioners, and 4,596 lei for uninsured family members.
- It can be requested by any person who proves they bore the funeral expenses — you do not need to be a relative of the deceased.
- Required documents include: standard application, death certificate, identity document, kinship documents (if applicable), supporting expense documents.
- The application is submitted at the County Pension House (for pensioners and uninsured persons) or at the employer (for employees).
- The payment deadline is 3 business days from submitting the complete file.
- The statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of death.
- The amounts are non-taxable — you receive the full amount.
- Official source: National Public Pension House (CNPP) — cnpp.ro.
Prices and information in this article are current as of 12 March 2026. For any legislative changes, consult the official CNPP website.
Related Articles
- Death Certificate in Romania — How to Obtain It — Step-by-step guide for obtaining the death certificate, required documents, and where to submit the application.
- How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Romania in 2026 — Approximate prices for funeral services, coffin, transport, burial plot, and other expenses.
- How to Organize a Funeral — Steps to follow from the moment of death to the funeral ceremony.
- Cremation in Romania — Prices and Procedures — Everything you need to know about cremation: costs, crematoriums, and required documents.
- Funeral Services in Bucharest — Funeral service companies in Bucharest, prices, and useful tips.
Preserve Memories
Beyond administrative formalities, many people feel the need to create a place of remembrance — a space where family and friends can add photographs, thoughts, and stories about their loved one. A digital memorial on Kinmory can be accessed anytime, from anywhere.
Create a digital memorial on Kinmory