The label “bonus” does not protect a payment by itself. It is usually employment income. A reliable analysis requires the award basis, relevant periondex=»0″>
| Type | Main question | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Is it part of ordinary remuneration? | Policy, award order and payslip |
| Quarterly | When were the conditions earned? | Targets, award order and accrual date |
| Annual | When did entitlement crystallise? | Employer policy and award order |
| One-off | Was it for work or another purpose? | Exact wording and funding basis |
No one can promise that the whole bonus will be retained or surrendered. The source, timing and reasonable needs of the debtor and dependants must be assessed.
Quick self-check
Tick the facts you can document.
What to do
Identify the legal basis
Separate remuneration from hardship aid or expense reimbursement.
Fix the earning period
Record the month, quarter or year covered.
Compare court dates
Map accrual and payment against the opening of the procedure.
Disclose the income
Provide the order, payslip and bank record to the financial manager.
Evidence necessary costs
If disputed, provide a budget and dependant-related records.
Reconciling a bonus with salary and the protected amount
Request the award order, bonus policy and payslip separating the bonus from salary, material assistance and expense reimbursements. Distinguish accruals, deductions and money actually paid. A label such as “anniversary bonus” does not itself establish special protection.
Illustration. A person receives RUB 30,000 salary and RUB 10,000 employment bonus in a month. If the documented protected amount for that month is RUB 20,000 with no other exclusions, the preliminary difference is RUB 20,000, rather than two separate subsistence amounts. These figures do not set current subsistence rates or determine treatment of an annual bonus covering several periods.
If the accrual period is disputed, attach an employer explanation. Support additional necessary expenses separately. See salary and subsistence and material assistance in bankruptcy. Section checked on 20 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw the bonus before the card is restricted?
A cash withdrawal does not change the legal nature of the money and may make its use harder to explain.
Is an annual bonus for last year always retained?
No. The earning period matters, but so do entitlement, payment and procedure dates.
Is a bonus separate from the living allowance?
The overall income and amounts already released for living costs are normally considered together.
Should an unexpected bonus be reported?
Yes. Prompt disclosure reduces good-faith concerns.
Official and primary sources
- Russian Bankruptcy Law No. 127-FZ
- Rostrud official pay guidance
- Russian Supreme Court Plenum Resolution No. 48
- Russian Supreme Court personal bankruptcy review
Related guides
Money in bankruptcy · Asset realization · Russian personal bankruptcy guide
Need to review a specific bonus?
We can assess the award basis, dates, income calculation and evidence of necessary costs.
INITIAL CONSULTATIONInformation updated on 2 September 2026. This guide is not individual legal advice.