The death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most difficult life situations we can experience. In addition to the emotional strain of the loss, it is necessary to deal with a number of administrative tasks. One of them is the resolution of issues related to the payment of a deceased person’s pension. The Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) has provided clear rules and notices regarding what needs to be done in the event of the death of a pensioner.
How the death notification system works
When a pensioner dies, the ČSSZ usually receives information about the death from various sources. From registers, through resident registers, to social services, if the deceased lived in a facility. This notification should reach the office no later than two weeks after the death is registered in the registry. Nevertheless, it may happen that the information arrives with a certain delay, which can lead to an unwanted pension overpayment.
Payment of pension and its termination
Pensions are paid one month in advance, and the right to them expires on the date of the pensioner’s death. This means that if the pensioner dies the day before his regular payment date, he is no longer entitled to the next payment. If payment is made after this date, a so-called overpayment arises, which must be returned.
What to do if there is an overpayment
If it happens that the pension was paid even after the date of death, this money must be returned. This applies to both cash and non-cash payments. In such a case, the CSSA will contact the relevant bank to return the money, or contact the survivors directly. If the survivors have funds in the account of the deceased, they are obliged to return this money.
Preventing problems: Quick notification
In order to minimize the risk of overpayments, the CSSA recommends that survivors immediately inform the office of the death using the various available communication channels. By phone, email or in person. In this way, the process of stopping the payment of the pension can be accelerated, thereby reducing the possibility of financial irregularities.
Photo: Shutterstock
What happens if the pension was not taken on time?
If the pensioner does not collect his pension and dies shortly afterwards, these arrears pass to his survivors. In such a case, the husband, wife or children of the deceased have the right to arrears if they lived in the same household with him. Otherwise, the arrears become part of the inheritance, and the notary decides on their distribution.
How to avoid problems with pension payments after death
Managing pension matters after the death of a loved one can be stressful, but knowing the relevant information and acting quickly can avoid many problems. It is important to stay in touch with the CSSA and respond adequately to any changes or requests.
Photo: Shutterstock, source: CSSZ, pruvodce.gov
