In 2026, Colpensiones offers funeral assistance to cover expenses after the death of a member or pensioner.
The death of a loved one represents not only a deep emotional impact, but also a considerable economic burden for many families, who must bear expenses such as the coffin, the transfer of the body, the wake, the cremation or the burial. In Colombia, this panorama becomes even more complex for those who do not have a funeral insurance or sufficient savings.
Given this situation, the Colombian pension system contemplate the funeral aidfinancial support administered by Colpensionswhich in 2026 remains in force as a tool to alleviate the financial burden of those who assumed the funeral costs of a deceased member or pensioner.
What is Colpensiones funeral aid?
He funeral aid It is an economic benefit that is delivered to the person who demonstrates having paid the funeral expenses of an active member or pensioner of Colpensions. This benefit is not limited to immediate family members, but can be requested by any person who has effectively assumed the costs of the funeral service.
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According to what is established in article 56 of the pension reform, the value of the aid corresponds to the last base salary of the member’s contribution or to the last pension allowancein the case of pensioners. However, the law establishes clear boundaries for the amount to be delivered.
How to request funeral assistance?
To process aid before Colpensionsthe applicant must present a series of documents that prove both the death and the payment of funeral services. Among the requirements are:
Original identification document of the applicant.
Civil death registration of the member or pensioner (issued with a maximum of three months).
Invoice for funeral expenses with a canceled stamp, stating who made the payment and the services provided.
Certification of the company or center who provided the funeral service.
Pre-exequial contractif it exists.
Authorization letter from heirsif the procedure is carried out by a single person.
Bank certification for the transfer of money.
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If the procedure is carried out by a third party: authorization letter and copies of the identification cards of the authorized party and the grantor.
Once the complete application has been filed, Colpensions It takes approximately two months to verify the information and disburse the funeral aid, as long as the documentation is in order.
Key Recommendations for Applicants
According to information collected by Weekthose who request this benefit must demonstrate both the relationship of the deceased with the pension system and direct responsibility for paying for the funeral. Although the aid does not expire immediately, experts recommend carrying out the procedure within the first year after death to avoid risks of prescription of the right.
He funeral aid It remains in 2026 as a fundamental support for thousands of families in Colombia, by providing economic support in one of the most difficult times from an emotional and financial point of view.
