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.
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.
A Bonus Is Employment Income, Not an Automatically Protected Award
| Bonus | Determine | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Current-month metrics | Payslip |
| Quarterly | Performance period | Order and policy |
| Annual | Year and award date | Employer order |
| One-off performance | Employment basis | Manager memo |
| Material assistance | Different legal basis | Application and order |
Obtain the award order
It separates bonus from material assistance.
Identify the period
A late credit does not create a new income type.
Reconcile deductions
Tax and other deductions should match payroll.
A Large Bonus Does Not Remove the Living Minimum or Remain in Full
A performance-linked bonus forms employment income and is generally assessed in the estate under Article 213.25 of Federal Law No. 127-FZ. The debtor retains applicable protected funds, but the bonus amount does not multiply the living minimum. Where it relates to several months or a year, the period matters for a transparent calculation but does not automatically permit several full minima from one payment. Necessary expenses may be claimed separately with evidence.