Economy

Expert Explains How to Transfer Funded Pension Savings

3 min read · 18 September 2026
Illustration for the article “Expert Explains How to Transfer Funded Pension Savings”

The funded part of a pension can be passed down as an inheritance if the documents are correctly prepared and the legal conditions are met. An expert in pension law explained that to inherit these savings, it is necessary to file an appropriate application and confirm the relationship to the deceased pensioner. This important innovation helps families retain pension savings and avoid their loss.

What Is the Funded Part of the Pension and Who Can Inherit It

The funded part of the pension is the portion of pension payments accumulated through personal contributions and investment of funds in pension funds. As of 2026, the average size of the funded pension amounts to about 150,000 rubles, which significantly impacts the overall pension amount.

The right to inherit the funded part of the pension is established by federal law and extends to close relatives, including spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. To confirm the inheritance right, a death certificate and documents verifying kinship must be provided.

Procedure for Formalizing Inheritance of the Funded Pension

To formalize the inheritance of the funded pension, heirs must apply to the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR) with a statement and a set of documents. The application must be submitted within 6 months from the date of the pensioner’s death; otherwise, the inheritance right may be forfeited.

The expert emphasizes the importance of submitting a complete set of documents, including a passport, death certificate, and documents proving kinship. The Pension Fund reviews the application within 30 working days and then pays the funded portion to the heirs.

The Importance of Inheriting the Funded Pension for Families

The ability to inherit the funded part of the pension allows families to maintain financial stability after losing the breadwinner. According to PFR statistics, about 70% of pensioners have a funded part, making the issue of inheritance relevant for millions of Russians.

Furthermore, preserving these savings helps cover current expenses and supports the living standards of heirs, especially if the family’s main income was tied to the deceased’s pension.

Risks and Limitations in Inheriting Pension Savings

Certain restrictions exist, and failure to observe them may cause heirs to lose the right to receive the funded part of the pension. For example, if the application is submitted after the deadline or if documents confirming kinship are missing, the pension savings will pass to state ownership.

It is also important to note that the funded part cannot be inherited if the deceased pensioner had no savings in the pension account or if the savings were spent before death.

Prospects for Changes in Pension Inheritance Legislation

In 2026, proposals have been submitted to the State Duma to expand the circle of heirs and simplify the inheritance procedure for the funded pension. Experts expect these changes to make the process more transparent and accessible to citizens.

One key reform direction is the introduction of digital services for submitting applications and receiving payments, which will reduce processing times and increase convenience for heirs.

Conclusion: Properly formalizing the inheritance of the funded part of the pension allows families to preserve savings and maintain financial well-being after the pensioner’s passing.