Three situations — three different answers
Being missing in action, being a prisoner of war and having died are three different things.
Unconfirmed
❓
Missing in action
No official information. The unit confirms neither death nor capture.
Confirmed alive
⛓️
Prisoner of war
Confirmation of capture in enemy captivity.
Confirmed deceased
🪖
Deceased
There is a death certificate or official confirmation.
Case 1: I am missing in action
The 15M UAH compensation is NOT yet activated. It requires an official death certificate. But your family DOES receive monthly payments.
💰 What your family receives while you are missing
Family receives
50%
of monthly salary
≈ 60,000 UAH/month (~$1,450)
Deposited for you
50%
in your personal account
Available if you return or to heir
What happens when death is confirmed? Monthly payments cease and the 15M UAH is activated. In total your family receives MORE than 15M UAH — accumulated salaries PLUS the full compensation.
What your family should do from the very first moment
📞
Contact the military unit
First source of information. Request official status and case number.
Immediate step🔴
Register with the ICRC
International Red Cross — missing persons programme. Free.
icrc.org💰
Apply for 50% monthly salary
At the TCKSP of the soldier's unit. Without waiting for confirmation.
~60,000 UAH/month📋
Register with Legado de Valor
If death is later confirmed, the active file speeds up the process.
No cost⚠️ Legislative notice: There is a bill to recognise missing persons as deceased only two years after the end of the war. As of May 2026 this bill is NOT in force, but LDV actively monitors changes.
Case 2: I am a prisoner of war
While you are alive in captivity, the 15M UAH compensation does not apply. However, the Ukrainian State continues payments.
| Item | Who receives it | When |
|---|
| 50% monthly salary | Family · monthly | While captivity lasts |
| Remaining 50% salary | Your personal account | Upon return or to heir |
| 15M UAH compensation | Family | Only if you die in captivity |
Law 4546-IX (July 2025): If you die in captivity, your family is entitled to the full 15M UAH regardless of the cause. Applies retroactively from 24/02/2022.
📊
In total your family receives MORE than 15M UAH
If you die in captivity: accumulated salaries + 15M UAH. The captivity period adds, not subtracts.
Case 3: Confirmed deceased
The 15M UAH compensation is activated. With the death certificate, your family can start the process. LDV manages everything remotely.
⏱️ Maximum deadline to claim: 3 years from the date of death. Do not wait.
Frequently asked questions
What does my family receive if I go missing?
The family receives 50% of your monthly salary (~60,000 UAH/month). The other 50% is deposited in your personal account.
When is the 15M UAH compensation activated?
Only when there is an official death certificate. While missing or alive as a prisoner, the 15M UAH is not activated.
What if I die in captivity?
Since July 2025 (Law 4546-IX) the family is entitled to the full 15M UAH regardless of the cause of death.
Does my family receive more than 15M UAH?
Yes. The monthly salaries accumulated during the missing period are NOT deducted from the 15M UAH.