Missing Service Member: What Payments, Benefits and Rights Their Family Has

The disappearance of a service member during hostilities is an extremely difficult ordeal for their loved ones. Alongside searching for information about the defender’s fate, the family has to deal with financial support, paperwork and social guarantees. We explain what payments the law provides for and where to turn to protect your rights.

The legal status of service members who have gone missing under special circumstances is defined by the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Persons Missing under Special Circumstances”.

This status does not mean that the service member is considered to have died. They retain the rights and guarantees established by law, and family members may be entitled to the relevant payments.

What payments is the family entitled to?

A service member who has gone missing under special circumstances continues to be paid their pay and allowances in accordance with the law.

Since 2025, service members have been able to make a personal instruction in which they themselves designate the persons who will receive the funds should they go missing or be taken prisoner.

If there is no such instruction, the law sets out how the payments are distributed.

In particular, the spouse, the legal representatives of minor children, parents and other persons specified by law may receive, in equal shares, a total of 50% of the pay and allowances after statutory deductions.

In the absence of such recipients, certain categories of adult children, brothers and sisters may be entitled to a total of 20%.

How do you apply for the payments?

First of all, you must report the service member’s disappearance to the law enforcement authorities and make sure that the relevant information is entered in the state registers.

To arrange the pay and allowances, you need to submit an application together with documents confirming the applicant’s identity, family relationship and entitlement to the funds.

The Ministry of Defence advises families of service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to apply through the territorial recruitment and social support centre (TCC and SP) at their place of residence.

What other rights does the family have?

Family members may receive information on the progress of the search, apply to the authorised state bodies and arrange the social guarantees provided for by law.

Under certain conditions, the family is also entitled to a survivor’s pension for the loss of a breadwinner.

Separately, the law provides for the possibility of placing the missing person’s property under guardianship to protect their property interests.

What should you do if the payments are stopped?

In September 2026, the Ministry of Defence further stressed that stopping payments to the families of missing persons prematurely is unacceptable.

If a military unit refuses to make the payments or stops them without proper grounds, you should obtain a written justification of the decision.

This decision can then be appealed in the established manner.

Timely paperwork and legal support help families exercise the guarantees provided for by law without waiting for the search to end.

If you still have questions or need legal assistance and advice, contact the lawyers of the Strategic Advocacy law association.