How much does the family of a missing soldier in Ukraine receive?

While the soldier is missing, the family receives 50% of the monthly salary (approximately 60,000 UAH/month). The other 50% is deposited in the soldier's account. The 15M UAH compensation is only activated when there is an official death certificate.

What happens when the death of a missing person is confirmed?

When the death is confirmed, monthly payments cease and the family receives the 15M UAH compensation. In total, the family ends up receiving more than 15M UAH: the salaries accumulated during the missing period plus the 15M UAH compensation.

How long can missing-in-action status last?

There is no fixed period while the war lasts. There is a bill in the Rada that would recognise missing persons as deceased two years after the end of the war, but it is not yet in force. The family can apply for a judicial declaration of death at any time if there is sufficient evidence.

What does the family of a prisoner of war receive?

While alive in captivity, the family receives 50% of the monthly salary. If the soldier dies in captivity, since July 2025 (Law 4546-IX) the family is entitled to the full 15M UAH regardless of the cause of death.

Missing soldier in Ukraine — what to do step by step

First, identify the situation

Unconfirmed

❓

Missing in action

No official information. The unit confirms neither death nor capture.

Confirmed alive

⛓️

Prisoner of war

There is confirmation that he was captured and is in enemy captivity.

Confirmed deceased

🪖

Deceased

There is a death certificate or official confirmation of death.

What happens — and what does the family receive — in each case?

❓

My family member is missing

I have no official confirmation of anything

The 15M UAH compensation is NOT yet activated. This benefit requires an official death certificate. While the soldier is in missing-in-action status, the family cannot claim it.

💰 What the family DOES receive while missing

Family receives

50%

of the soldier's monthly salary
≈ 60,000 UAH/month (~$1,450)

Deposited for the soldier

50%

into their personal account
Released upon return or to heir

What happens when death is confirmed? Monthly payments cease and the 15M UAH compensation is activated. In total, the family ends up receiving more than 15M UAH — the salaries accumulated during the missing period plus the full 15M UAH compensation.

What you can do right now

📞

Contact the military unit

The unit where they served is the first source of information. Request the soldier's official status and case number.

Immediate step

🔴

Register the disappearance with the ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross has a specific programme to search for missing persons in armed conflicts. Free and confidential.

icrc.org · In English

🏛️

Apply for the 50% monthly payments

The family can apply for 50% of the missing soldier's monthly salary at the TCKSP (Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centre) corresponding to the soldier's unit.

~60,000 UAH/month · Without waiting for confirmation

📋

Register with Legado de Valor

If the missing person later dies, having the file already started with LDV greatly speeds up the 15M UAH claims process. Preventive preparation at no cost.

No cost · No commitment

⚠️

Important legislative notice

In June 2025, a bill was registered in the Verkhovna Rada according to which missing persons would be recognised as deceased only two years after the end of the war. This bill could significantly delay access to the 15M UAH compensation. As of May 2026 this bill is NOT in force, but the legislative situation may change. LDV actively monitors regulatory changes.

⛓️

My family member is a prisoner of war

There is confirmation of capture and that they are alive

While alive in captivity, the 15M UAH compensation does not apply. However, the Ukrainian State continues payments to the soldier and makes partial payments to the family.

💰 What the family receives while in captivity

Family receives

50%

of monthly salary + 100,000 UAH additional ≈ 60,000 UAH/month (~$1,450)

Deposited for the soldier

50%

in their personal account Available upon return from captivity

Item	Who receives	When
50% monthly salary	Family · monthly	While captivity lasts
Remaining 50% salary	Soldier's account	Upon return or to heir if deceased
15M UAH compensation	Familia	Only if they die in captivity (see below)

New rule July 2025 — Law 4546-IX: If the soldier dies in captivity, the family is entitled to the full 15M UAH regardless of the cause of death. This law applies retroactively from 24 February 2022. It is no longer necessary to prove death in combat.

📊

In total the family receives MORE than 15M UAH

If the prisoner dies in captivity: salaries accumulated during captivity + 15M UAH compensation. The captivity period does not reduce — it adds to the total.

🪖

My family member has died

There is a death certificate or official confirmation

The 15M UAH compensation is activated. With the death certificate in hand, the family can start the claims process. Legado de Valor can manage the entire process remotely from any country.

Rules	Immediate payment	Monthly instalments	Total
From 1 Sep. 2025	3.000.000 UAH (~72.000 USD)	150.000 UAH/mes × 80 meses	15.000.000 UAH
Before 1 Sep. 2025	3.000.000 UAH (~72.000 USD)	300.000 UAH/mes × 40 meses	15.000.000 UAH

⏱️ Maximum deadline to claim: 3 years from the date of death. Do not wait — every month reduces your margin and the number of instalments you will collect.

Was the deceased previously missing? If the family received 50% monthly salary payments during the missing period, those payments are not deducted from the 15M UAH. The family receives the accumulated salaries plus the full 15M UAH compensation.

Support organisations for missing persons cases

🔴

ICRC — International Red Cross

Programme for searching missing persons in conflicts. Free and confidential.

icrc.org →

🏛️

Ukrainian Ministry of Defence

Official information on the status of active service members, prisoners and missing persons.

mod.gov.ua →

📞

Your country's embassy in Ukraine

Consular mediation to obtain official information on foreign citizens in Ukraine.

🔍

Дія (Diya) App

Official Ukrainian platform for administrative procedures and searching for information on soldiers.

diia.gov.ua →

Not sure if you can claim?

Tell us about your family member's situation. We analyse the case at no cost and tell you exactly what steps to take and whether LDV can help you.

Consult my case for free →

Missing soldier in UkraineWhat steps should you take?