What is funeral assistance?
- Social security funeral assistance – paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK)
- Employer-provided funeral assistance – may be provided by the deceased's former employer
- Municipal funeral support – may be provided by the local municipality
Each type has different eligibility criteria, and the amount of support may also vary. The amount of funeral assistance in 2026 is expected to increase due to inflation tracking, so it is worth gathering up-to-date information before starting the application.
Social security funeral assistance 2026
Most people are familiar with social security funeral assistance, which is paid by NEAK. This support is available to any person who arranged for the burial of the deceased, provided the deceased had Hungarian social security coverage at the time of death.
Amount in 2026
The amount of funeral assistance in 2026 is 2.5 times the minimum old-age pension (old-age pension minimum) in effect in the calendar year preceding the death of the deceased. 5 times. In 2025, the monthly pension minimum was 28,500 forints, so the basic amount of funeral assistance in that year was 71,250 forints. The 2026 amount depends on the expected pension increase – depending on the rate of inflation, this could be around 75,000–80,000 forints .
Important: The amount of funeral assistance in 2026 also covers a portion of the funeral costs, with the maximum amount of support not exceeding the actual funeral expenses. In other words, the amount paid cannot be higher than what was actually paid for the funeral.
Application conditions
To apply for social security funeral assistance, the following conditions must be met:
- The deceased had social security coverage at the time of death (was a pensioner, active worker, or other insured person)
- The applicant undertook the costs of the funeral and can prove this with an invoice
- The application must be submitted within 30 days of the death (in some cases, 90 days)
Documents required for the application:
- Death certificate
- Funeral invoice (or preliminary budget)
- Social security number or TAJ number
- Applicant's identification documents
- Form: NEAK form number 0301
Employer-provided funeral assistance
Typically, employer-provided funeral assistance may be granted in the following cases:
- When an employee in an active employment relationship dies
The amount of employer-provided funeral assistance varies by employer, typically ranging between 50,000 and 200,000 forints. Larger companies and multinational corporations often provide higher amounts, and the collective agreement precisely stipulates the relevant rules.
How to apply?
- The deceased's former employer must be notified of the death
- Submit the death certificate
- Fill out the forms requested by the employer
- Provide the bank account number for the transfer
Tip: Even if the deceased worked at the company long ago, it is worth inquiring with the employer – many collective agreements also include provisions for support due to the relatives of former employees.
Municipal funeral support
Municipal funeral support is a local social benefit that municipal governments may provide to families in need. The amount of support and the conditions for applying vary by municipality, so in every case, you must inquire at the social department of the municipality according to your place of residence.
Eligibility conditions
- The monthly income per person in the applicant's family does not exceed 150–200% of the current minimum old-age pension
- The applicant undertakes the costs of the funeral
- The deceased had a registered place of residence in the municipality
Amount of support
Public funeral – if no one undertakes the funeral
A public funeral is not the same as a social funeral:
- Public funeral: a mandatory municipal task when no one undertakes the funeral
- Social funeral: a discounted funeral form provided by the municipality for those in need
Step-by-step process for applying for funeral assistance
Obtain the death certificate
Following the death, the family doctor or hospital issues the death examination certificate. With this, you must go to the registrar, who issues the death certificate – this is the first and most important document for all subsequent procedures.
Choose a funeral service provider
Gather the necessary documents
- Death certificate
- Funeral invoice (or proforma invoice)
- The deceased's social security number (TAJ number)
- The applicant's ID card and address card
- Bank account number (for the transfer)
Submit the application
Wait for the decision
NEAK, upon receipt of the application, within 30 days makes the decision and disburses the funeral allowance amount. The support is typically transferred to the specified bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the amount of the funeral allowance in 2026?
Who is eligible for employer-provided funeral allowance?
The employer-provided funeral allowance is available to the relatives of the deceased employee, provided that the employer's collective agreement or internal regulations allow it. The amount and conditions vary by employer, so inquiries should always be made directly with the former employer.
What is the difference between a public funeral and a social funeral?
When should the funeral allowance be claimed?
The social security funeral allowance must be claimed within 30 days of the death. If the applicant can prove they lived in the same household as the deceased and could not act in time due to organizing the funeral, the deadline can be extended to 90 days.
What documents are required to apply for the funeral allowance?
You need the death certificate, the funeral invoice (or pro forma invoice), the deceased's TAJ number, the applicant's ID card, address card, and bank account number. The application must be submitted on NEAK form 0301.
Summary
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help with the application, contact the government office according to your place of residence or the NEAK customer service – their staff provide detailed information on the rules and exact amounts of the funeral allowance in 2026.
This guide was updated in July 2026. The amount of the funeral allowance in 2026 may change depending on current legislative changes.