A proposal in Azerbaijan would extend funeral assistance to the families of all deceased citizens. Under the current system, eligibility and the payment amount depend on the deceased person’s social status: the benefit is 600 manats for categories specified by law and 960 manats when a labor pension recipient dies.
The proposal would primarily cover cases in which the deceased person was not formally employed, did not receive a pension or social allowance, and did not fall within another legally eligible group, according to an ITV report.
Families in those circumstances currently must cover funeral expenses themselves. Supporters of expanding the benefit argue that partial compensation should be available regardless of a person’s employment or benefit status at the time of death.
Who Qualifies for 600 Manats
Official social-protection information says a one-time funeral benefit of 600 manats is available when the deceased person belonged to certain categories. These include recipients of age, disability or survivor benefits; people receiving unemployment-insurance payments; insured workers; and other groups specified by law.
A lack of formal employment does not automatically rule out eligibility because the deceased person may have received a pension or social allowance or belonged to another covered group.
When the Payment Is 960 Manats
If the deceased person received a labor pension, the benefit equals three times the minimum monthly labor pension. The current payment cited by the State Social Protection Fund is 960 manats.
The distinction between a labor pension and a social allowance therefore matters because it determines the amount paid.
Who Receives the Money
The benefit is paid to the person who incurred the funeral expenses. Its amount is determined under the law in effect on the date of death, meaning both the deceased person’s status and the date are relevant.
Since May 1, 2026, the benefit has been assigned automatically using death-registration information and data about the person who covered the funeral costs, according to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The proposed expansion would include families that currently receive no assistance. The ITV report did not give a timetable for reviewing the initiative or specify how broader eligibility might be implemented.
Sources: Vesti Baku; ITV; Ministry of Labor and Social Protection; State Social Protection Fund.