Funeral Grant: who can claim it and how to apply?
Organizing a funeral,, cremation, or repatriation is a task that requires quick decisions, attention to detail, and significant expenses. This is why many families want to know how to apply for a funeral grant, who is eligible to receive it, and which documents need to be submitted.
We, Funeral home ANGEL, assist people daily not only with organizing farewell ceremonies, but also with applying for state and municipal funeral grants. Below you will find information on two types of funeral grants, as well as a detailed guide on how to obtain a funeral grant in Riga, Jūrmala, and other cities in Latvia, which documents are required, and the deadlines that must be observed.
If you want to clarify the details of the application or receive a consultation before submitting your request, we are available 24/7. Call us, and we will advise you on exactly which documents are needed in your case:
Types of funeral grants in Latvia
In Latvia, support for the family after a person’s death can be provided in several forms. There are two main types of payments that may cover funeral expenses partially or fully: the state funeral grant and municipal assistance. These payments differ in amount, eligibility criteria, and the institutions responsible for issuing them.
1. Government Funeral Grant (Apbadīšanas pabalsts no VSAA)
This is the primary payment, regulated by the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA).
Characteristics:
- Applicable in all cities and regions of Latvia
- Does not depend on the deceased’s place of residence
- The payment amount is determined by the deceased’s status (employed, unemployed, pensioner, dependent, etc.).
- The application is submitted through VSAA (at a service center, online, or by mail).
2. Municipal funeral grant(Pašvaldības pabalsts apbedīšanai)
This is additional assistance provided by the social service of a specific city.
Specifics:
- Available only to those whose last place of residence was in the respective municipality (Riga, Jurmala, etc.).
- The amount and conditions vary in each city.
- The grant amount is reduced by the funeral grant already paid by the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA).
Next, we will provide a more detailed overview of each type of funeral grant: how to apply, who is eligible, the amount, and other important details.
1. Who can receive the state funeral grant from VSAA and how to claim It
When a loved one passes away, relatives must immediately handle several tasks: preparing documents, arranging the funeral, and obtaining the entitled payments. In Latvia, labor and social legislation provides several types of support related to applying for a funeral grant.
Below, you will find the main eligibility criteria, grant amount, application deadlines, and a complete list of documents required to receive the state funeral grant.
1. The right to paid days off
Latvia’s labor legislation guarantees an employee two paid days off if a spouse, parent, child, or another close family member passes away. These days are provided for arranging the funeral and preparing the necessary documents.
2. Who can receive a funeral grant
The right to the state funeral grant belongs to a family member of the deceased (whose last place of residence was within the administrative territory of Riga) or to a person who has taken on the organization of the funeral on behalf of the family.
3. Funeral grant amount
The amount of the funeral grant depends on the category of the deceased. Below is a structured explanation for each case.
3.1. In the case of the death of an employed (insured) person
The grant is paid in the amount of twice the deceased’s average insured salary, but not below the minimum threshold.
3.2. In the case of the death of a pensioner or a recipient of insurance benefits
The grant amount is equal to two months of the deceased’s pension or insurance payment, including any possible supplements for accrued service up to 31.12.1995.
3.3. In the case of the death of a social security beneficiary
The grant amounts to twice the state social benefit. In the case of the death of persons with disabilities of groups 1 and 2, the amount is calculated as for unemployed individuals.
3.4. In the case of the death of a dependent of an insured person
The payment equals three times the state social benefit for age.
It is granted in the event of the death of a minor child or a child up to 24 years old if they were enrolled in secondary or higher education.
If the insured person or their child dies within a month after the termination of employment, the grant is paid provided the individual worked or made self-employment contributions for at least 2 of the last 3 months prior to dismissal.
3.5. In the case of the death of an unemployed person, the state age-related social benefit is tripled.
It is granted if the deceased was receiving unemployment benefits or held the status of unemployed, and unemployment contributions were paid for at least 12 of the last 36 months.
If the deceased qualifies under multiple statuses that entitle the person arranging the funeral to receive this grant, only one funeral grant—the highest amount — is paid.
We recommend monitoring current grant amounts and any changes to the application procedure on the official VSAA website.
4. Application process for a funeral grant
The application can be submitted:
- In person at any customer service center of the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA)
- Online via the portal latvija.gov.lv
- By mail
- Electronically (the application must be signed with a secure electronic signature with a timestamp)
The average processing time for an application is up to 3 working days.
5. Timeframe for Application Submission
The application must be submitted within 6 months from the date of death. If this deadline is missed, the grant will not be awarded.
2. Municipal funeral grant: differences by city
After receiving the state payment, the family may be entitled to additional financial support from the municipality at the deceased’s last registered place of residence. The amount and conditions of this assistance vary depending on the city or region, so it is important to consider local regulations.
Below are separate sections with explanations for the three main categories:
- Riga
- Jurmala
- Other cities in Latvia
Municipal funeral grant in Riga
Riga has its own procedure for granting a municipal funeral grant, which can be received in addition to the state payment from VSAA. The grant partially covers funeral expenses and is provided based on actual verified costs.
Who is eligible for the grant
The municipal grant is awarded:
- if the deceased’s last registered place of residence was in Riga,
- to a close first-degree relative who provides documents verifying the funeral expenses incurred.
Required documents
To receive the funeral grant through a funeral home, the relative must complete the application in person at the funeral home office.
When applying to the Riga Social Service (Rīgas Sociālais dienests) the following documents must be submitted:
- Application
- Copy of the death certificate (original must be presented for verification)
- Certificate from VSAA confirming that the state funeral grant has not been paid, or indicating the amount already paid
- Original documents verifying funeral expenses (receipts, invoices, certificates of completed services).
These documents are a mandatory basis for granting the funeral grant and for transferring funds to the applicant or the funeral service provider.
A separate requirement: original documents verifying funeral expenses must be submitted within two months from the date the expenses were incurred.
Grant amount
The municipal funeral grant is paid based on the actual funeral expenses, but not exceeding €430.
The grant amount is reduced by any funeral grant already paid by the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA) or another institution. When applying for the grant, the applicant’s income and financial situation are not taken into account.
The grant is transferred:
- to the person named in the application,
- or directly to the funeral service provider (e.g., ANGEL Funeral Home) if the applicant chooses this option.
Application deadline
The application for the municipal funeral grant must be submitted within 6 months from the date of death.
After this period expires, the grant will not be awarded.
Where to apply
Applications are accepted by the Riga Social Service — in person, by appointment, or via electronic channels using a secure e-signature.
If you do not wish to spend time handling paperwork or are unsure which documents are required in your specific situation, we at ANGEL Funeral Home are available 24/7 to assist you. We will advise you on the benefits you are entitled to and, if needed, take care of the entire application process on your behalf:
Municipal funeral grant in Jurmala
In Jurmala, there is a separate procedure for providing financial assistance to the families of deceased city residents.
Who Is eligible for the grant
The municipal grant is provided:
- if the deceased’s last registered place of residence was in Jurmala,
- to a close first-degree relative who provides documents verifying the funeral expenses incurred.
Required Documents
To receive the grant in Jūrmala, the following must be submitted to the Jūrmala Social Service:
- Application;
- VSAA certificate confirming that the state funeral grant was not paid (or indicating the amount already paid);
- Documents verifying funeral expenses.
Grant amount
The payment equals the actual funeral expenses but does not exceed €350 (including both state and municipal grants). Starting from January 1, 2025, the funeral grant is calculated based on actual expenses, but the total of state and municipal grants cannot exceed €450.
The grant is transferred:
- to the person named in the application,
- or directly to the funeral service provider (e.g., ANGEL Funeral Home) if the applicant chooses this option.
Application deadline
The application must be submitted within three months from the date the death certificate is issued.
Where to apply
Applications are accepted by the Jurmala social service — in person, by appointment, or via electronic channels using a secure e-signature.
If you prefer not to spend time on paperwork or are unsure which documents are required in your situation, we at ANGEL Funeral Home are available 24/7 to assist you. We will advise you on the benefits you are entitled to and, if necessary, handle the entire application process on your behalf:
Municipal funeral grant in other cities of Latvia
The procedure for applying for a municipal funeral grant in other regions of Latvia is generally similar to the procedures in Riga and Jūrmala; however, details may vary depending on the requirements of the local municipality. The general principle remains the same: the grant is provided to cover funeral expenses and can be received by a relative or another person authorized by the deceased’s family who has assumed responsibility for arranging the funeral.
Required documents
In each municipality, the amount of the grant and the list of required documents may vary; however, most commonly the following are needed:
- Application for the funeral grant Submitted to the Social Service (sociālais dienests) at the deceased’s last registered place of residence.
- Copy of the death certificate The original must be presented when submitting the application.
- Certificate from the state social insurance agency (VSAA) Confirms that the state funeral grant has not been paid, or indicates the amount of the state compensation already received.
- Documents verifying actual funeral expenses These may include invoices and receipts for funeral services, cremation, transportation, and other services related to the funeral.
Grant amount in regions of Latvia
The municipal funeral grant usually covers part of the funeral expenses and is paid within the limit set by the local council. In most regions, it ranges from €150 to €430, but does not exceed the actual costs of organizing the funeral. Payment is made to the person arranging the funeral or to the funeral service provider if specified in the application.
Application deadline
In most municipalities, the application for the funeral grant must be submitted within three months from the date the death certificate is issued. If the application is submitted later, the municipality has the right to refuse the grant.
Where to apply
Residents of other cities and regions of Latvia must contact the Social Service (Sociālais dienests) at the deceased’s last registered place of residence. Contact information for each municipality’s social service can be found on their official websites or on the portal latvija.gov.lv.
Additional costs and support from ANGEL funeral home
Applying for a funeral grant is an important step that helps partially cover the costs of organizing a funeral, cremation, or repatriation. To avoid delays, it is crucial to gather documents on time, meet application deadlines, and correctly complete all forms. To simplify the process, our funeral home ANGEL offers:
- Assistance in collecting and organizing documents for the grant application;
- Consultations on procedures in Riga, Jurmala, and other municipalities;
- Preparation of the complete document package for state and municipal support;
- Assistance with organizing traditional funerals,, cremations, or repatriations.
If you need assistance, consultation, or support with preparing documents and/or applying for a funeral grant, we at ANGEL Funeral Home are ready to handle the entire process, so you can focus on saying goodbye to your loved one. We operate 24/7 and are available to guide you through every step.
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