Widow’s pension / Widower’s pension (Witwen- oder Witwer-Rente)
HOW MUCH, FOR HOW LONG AND WHO IS ENTITLED?
Most of us have heard that in Germany, if something tragic happens to one of the spouses, the surviving spouse receives the deceased’s pension or a part of it. This is true, BUT not always and not in full.
Let us examine the matter in more detail.
However, first let us examine the possible options for receiving a survivor’s pension (Hinterbliebenenrente) in the diagram below.
Hinterbliebenenrente — survivor’s pension
Witwen-Rente — widow’s pension
Große Witwenrente — large widow’s pension
Kleine Witwenrente — small widow’s pension
Waisenrente — orphan’s pension
Vollwaisenrente — pension for children who have lost both parents
Halbwaisenrente — pension for children who have lost one parent
Who is entitled to the Witwenrente (the German widow’s or widower’s pension)
The right to the Witwenrente or Witwerrente arises when two conditions are met at the same time:
- The marriage lasted at least one year. Legal basis: § 46 Abs. 2a SGB VI. If death occurred as a result of an accident or other circumstances in which the marriage was clearly not entered into for pension purposes, this time limit does not apply.
- The deceased has at least 60 months of contributions paid into the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (the general Wartezeit, or minimum qualifying period). If death results from an occupational accident, this condition also does not apply.
Nationality itself does not affect the entitlement — what matters is the deceased’s insurance record in the German system, not the passport of the widow or widower. More on this below, in the section for foreigners.
A registered civil partnership (eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft) is treated the same as marriage. Divorce ends the right to the pension — but former spouses have a separate benefit, the Erziehungsrente, if they are raising a shared child.
Große Witwenrente (the standard, higher-rate pension): three conditions, one is enough
After the Sterbevierteljahr, the payment changes into one of two forms. The Große Witwenrente is granted if at least one of the three conditions under § 46 Abs. 2 SGB VI is met:
- You are raising a child under 18 — your own or the deceased spouse’s child. The rule also applies to a child with a disability who cannot support themselves, regardless of their age.
- You have reached the age threshold. It rises every year. For deaths in 2026, the threshold is 46 years and 6 months (§ 242a Abs. 5 SGB VI).
- You have a reduced earning capacity (erwerbsgemindert within the meaning of § 43 SGB VI).
The age threshold depends on the year the spouse died, not the year the application is submitted:
| Year of death | Age for the Große Witwenrente |
| 2023 | 46 years and 0 months |
| 2024 | 46 years and 2 months |
| 2025 | 46 years and 4 months |
| 2026 | 46 years and 6 months |
| 2027 | 46 years and 8 months |
By 2029, the threshold will reach 47 years and will not rise any further after that.
If none of the three conditions is met, the Kleine Witwenrente is granted — more on this below.
How much is paid: 55 % or 60 % of the deceased’s pension
Basic rate — 55 % of the pension the deceased received or would have received (§ 67 Nr. 6 SGB VI).
The increased rate of 60 % continues to apply under the old law (§ 255 Abs. 1 SGB VI) if one of two conditions is met:
- the spouse died before 1 January 2002; or
- the marriage was concluded before 1 January 2002 and at the same time at least one of the spouses was born before 2 January 1962.
Note the “and” in the second point: what is required is both criteria at once — the date of the marriage and the year of birth. Many articles link them with “or”, and that is a mistake: a marriage in 1999 where both spouses were born in 1970 does not give entitlement to 60 %.
Reduction for early claiming (Abschlag). If the deceased had not yet turned 65 at the time of death, the amount is reduced by 0,3 % for every month short of that age, but by no more than 10,8 % (§ 77 SGB VI). This means the minimum for the Große Witwenrente is around 49 % instead of 55 %. After the deceased’s 65th birthday, the Abschlag no longer applies.
How long is it paid, and what happens if you remarry
The Große Witwenrente is paid for life — until the recipient remarries. Exception: if the basis was raising a child, the payment stops when the child turns 18 (and resumes later, once the age threshold is reached).
A new marriage ends the payment, but it does not leave you empty-handed: on a first remarriage, a one-off Rentenabfindung (lump-sum settlement) of 24 monthly payments is granted on application (§ 107 SGB VI), calculated from the average pension amount over the last 12 months. For a Kleine Witwenrente the settlement is smaller: the months for which the Kleine Witwenrente has already been paid are deducted from the 24.
If the new marriage ends, the entitlement to the Witwenrente from the first spouse can be reinstated — this is a separate procedure best discussed with the DRV (Deutsche Rentenversicherung).
Kleine Witwenrente (the reduced, time-limited pension): 25 % and only 24 months
If none of the three conditions for the Große Witwenrente is met, you receive the Kleine Witwenrente:
- the amount is 25 % of the deceased’s pension (§ 67 Nr. 5 SGB VI);
- the duration is no more than 24 calendar months after the month of death (§ 46 Abs. 1 SGB VI);
- the Abschlag for early claiming applies in the same way: up to 10,8 %.
Important exception. If the spouse died before 1 January 2002, or the marriage was concluded before that date and at least one of the spouses was born before 2 January 1962, the 24-month limit does not apply — the Kleine Witwenrente is paid for life. In all other cases, the time limit is strict.
The Kleine Witwenrente often becomes a “bridge”: once the recipient reaches the age threshold or starts raising the deceased’s child, the payment can convert into the Große Witwenrente. On reaching the age threshold, the Kleine Witwenrente turns into the Große Witwenrente automatically; if you start raising a child, you must tell the DRV yourself.
How your own income reduces the Witwenrente
This is the most common and most costly surprise. The Witwenrente is the only German pension where your own income is taken into account and reduces the payment (§ 97 SGB VI).
The mechanics are simple:
- there is an income allowance — Freibetrag;
- everything above it is counted towards the offset at 40 % and reduces the pension by that amount.
Amounts valid from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027:
| Basic Freibetrag (income allowance) | 1.122,53 € per month |
| Supplement for each child entitled to an orphan’s pension | +238,11 € per month |
| Offset rate for income above the limit | 40 % |
Until 30 June 2026, the limit was 1.076,86 €. If you are reading an article with the old figure — it is no longer current.
Example. Your assessable net income — 1.500 € per month. The excess over the limit: 1’500 − 1’122,53 = 377,47 €. 40 % of this amount is counted: 150,99 €. This is exactly how much the widow’s pension will be reduced. The remaining 1.349,01 € of your income has no effect on it.
Two important clarifications:
- During the Sterbevierteljahr (the three-month period after death), income is not taken into account at all (§ 97 Abs. 1 SGB VI) — for the first three full months, you receive the deceased’s full pension regardless of your own earnings.
- What counts is income for the previous calendar year. For the recalculation as of 1 July 2026, the year 2025 is used. An increase in earnings will only show up at the next recalculation.
And one more thing: the widow’s pension is taxable income. The same mechanism applies as for a regular old-age pension: pension tax in Germany is charged not on the full amount but on the share that depends on the year in which the pension starts.
If too little is left after all the deductions, a different system takes over: not a pension, but basic income support in old age. We cover it separately — how much Grundsicherung im Alter pays in 2026 and at what income level it is worth checking your entitlement to a top-up.
What it comes to: the calculation
The calculation starts from the deceased spouse’s pension — the figure in their Rentenbescheid (pension notice). A widow’s pension cannot be calculated from a salary: it depends on the Entgeltpunkte (pension points) earned over a whole working life, not on the last wage.
Assumptions: since 1 July 2026 the amount free from offsetting is €1,122.53 a month, which is 26.4 times the value of a pension point (aktueller Rentenwert, €42.52); it rises by €238.11 for each child entitled to Waisenrente. 40 per cent of the excess is offset. Gross income is converted to net at a flat rate: your own pension minus 14 per cent if granted from 2011 and minus 13 per cent if earlier; salary minus 40 per cent. For the first three months after the death (Sterbevierteljahr) the deceased’s full pension is paid with no income offsetting. The Große Witwenrente is 55 per cent, or 60 per cent under the old law, of the deceased’s pension for full reduction in earning capacity. A child-raising supplement and taxation are not taken into account. The calculation is indicative and does not replace a decision by Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
A widow’s pension is usually far smaller than the income the family has lost. The gap is closed in advance: term life insurance pays out the chosen sum if the main earner dies, and personal accident insurance pays out on disability — and on death only if the policy includes a death benefit.
Widow’s pension and citizenship: what matters for foreign nationals
Entitlement to Witwenrente does not depend on the nationality of the recipient. What matters is the deceased’s insurance record in the German system, not the passport of the widow or widower.
But the place of residence does matter:
- Germany, EU, EEA, Switzerland — the pension is paid in full, without restrictions.
- Countries with a social security agreement (the USA, Canada, Turkey, and several others) — payment follows the rules of the specific agreement.
- Countries without an agreement — § 113 SGB VI applies: only part of the pension points is taken into account in the calculation, so the payment is reduced.
Before moving outside the EU, it is worth requesting a written calculation for the specific country from the DRV (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the German state pension insurer) — verbal advice is not reliable here.
Late resettlers (Spätaussiedler): insurance periods under the Fremdrentengesetz (the law on pension credits earned abroad)
For late resettlers, insurance periods earned before moving to Germany are credited under the Fremdrentengesetz (FRG). This is a separate conversion system: years of work in the country of origin are converted into German pension points according to fixed tables, not according to actual earnings.
Two consequences worth understanding in advance:
- points under the FRG are credited at a reduced rate and are capped overall — the deceased’s final pension ends up lower than the insurance period alone would suggest;
- the widow’s pension is calculated from this already reduced amount, which is why its amount turns out more modest too.
The exact limit and offsetting method are best clarified for your specific pension case: they depend on the timing of the move and on status under § 4 BVFG. This limitation has been reviewed by the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) and found compatible with the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) — it cannot be successfully challenged.
Orphan’s pension for children
The deceased’s children receive their own benefit — Waisenrente (§ 48, § 67 Nr. 7 SGB VI):
- Halbwaisenrente — if the other parent is still alive: 10 % of the deceased’s pension;
- Vollwaisenrente — if both parents have died: 20 %;
- is paid while the child is under 18 years of age, but in the case of education, vocational training, voluntary service or disability — up to the age of 27.
For orphans, income is not taken into account at all — they can earn extra income without any restrictions, unlike with the widow’s pension.
How the supplement under § 78 SGB VI is calculated, until what age it is paid and what to do in the first weeks — in a separate article on the orphan’s pension (Waisenrente).
Occupational survivor’s pension: the payment almost everyone forgets
The state Witwenrente is not the only payment. If the deceased was an employee and had a company pension (betriebliche Altersvorsorge, bAV), the contract often also provides for a Hinterbliebenenversorgung — a payment to the widow, widower or children. It is never automatic: the conditions are set out in the employer’s Versorgungsordnung (pension scheme rules) or in the contract with the insurer, and you have to request them yourself.
These rules usually contain three restrictions. The Spätehenklausel — the marriage was concluded too late, for example only after retirement began. The Mindestehedauer — the marriage lasted less than a set period. The Altersabstandsklausel — the age gap between the spouses is too large.
Not every restriction is lawful, and the Bundesarbeitsgericht (Federal Labour Court) has drawn a fairly clear line. A refusal is lawful if the marriage was concluded after the pension had already begun (judgment of 15 October 2013, 3 AZR 707/11) or after the employment relationship had ended (3 AZR 653/11). An age limit is also permitted, but only if it matches the age limit set out in the Versorgungsordnung itself: the court upheld 65 years (14 November 2017, 3 AZR 781/16) and 62 years (22 January 2019, 3 AZR 560/17). An arbitrary limit that does not match the contract’s own rules is not permitted (18 February 2019, 3 AZR 215/18).
A recent decision extended this reasoning. On 10 March 2026 the Bundesarbeitsgericht (3 AZR 107/25) ruled on a case in which a widow had been refused the benefit on two grounds at once: the marriage had been concluded after her husband turned 60, and it had lasted less than five years. The court declared the clause invalid as unlawful age discrimination under the AGG (General Equal Treatment Act). Its reasoning: the age of 60 is not a structural principle of occupational pension law, and the Versorgungsordnung itself tied the normal age limit to the age of 65. A minimum duration of marriage does not justify the discrimination. The widow received the full payment.
In practice this means: ask the employer or the insurer for the Versorgungsordnung and check which age limit it actually refers to. If the refusal cites an age that does not match that limit, it is worth challenging.
How to submit an application and not lose money
Pension is not granted automatically — an application to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung is required.
- Where: online via eservice-drv.de, at the Versicherungsamt (local pension insurance office) for your place of residence, or at a DRV advice centre.
- 🔴 Deadline: if you apply within 12 calendar months after the month of death, the pension will be granted from the date of death. If you apply later, it is paid for the 12 months before the month of application.
- What to enclose: death certificate, marriage certificate, proof of your own income, and where there are children — birth certificates.
If the deceased was already drawing a pension, it is also worth applying to Deutsche Post within 30 days of the death for Vorschuss — an advance payment for the Sterbevierteljahr. It can be obtained quickly, without waiting for the main pension to be calculated.
What changed in 2026
Honest answer: no separate new law on the widow’s pension appeared in 2026. What articles present as “new rules” is simply the next scheduled step in transitional tables adopted long ago. Three figures have actually changed:
- the age threshold for the Große Witwenrente — 46 years and 6 months for deaths occurring in 2026;
- the Freibetrag for income offsetting — 1.122,53 € as of 1 July 2026;
- the general adjustment of all pensions +4,24 % as of 1 July 2026 — it also affects the widow’s pension.
The pension reform package discussed in 2025–2026 does not affect the widow’s pension.
Sources
- § 46, § 48, § 67, § 77, § 97, § 107, § 113, § 242a, § 255 SGB VI
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung — official website, announcement on the new Freibetrag dated 13 July 2026
- Fremdrentengesetz (FRG) — for late resettlers
Frequently asked questions about the widow’s pension
Who is entitled to a widow’s pension in Germany?
To the surviving spouse or registered partner, if two conditions are met at the same time: the marriage lasted at least one year, and the deceased has at least 60 months of contributions to Deutsche Rentenversicherung. In the case of accidental death the one-year marriage rule does not apply; the five-year Wartezeit (minimum qualifying period) is waived only for an accident at work or an occupational disease. The nationality of the widow or widower does not matter — what counts is the insurance record of the deceased. After a divorce there is no entitlement to Witwenrente.
From what age is the Große Witwenrente granted?
The age limit depends on the year in which the spouse died, not on the date of the application: for a death in 2026 it is 46 years and 6 months, and by 2029 the limit rises to 47 years. But age is only one of three grounds. The Große Witwenrente is also granted earlier if you are raising a child under 18 or your earning capacity is reduced.
How much is paid — 55 % or 60 %?
As a rule, 55 % of the pension of the deceased. The higher rate of 60 % remains only under the old law: either the death occurred before 1 January 2002, or the marriage was concluded before that date and one of the spouses was born before 2 January 1962 — both features must apply together. If the deceased was not yet 65, the pension is additionally reduced by 0,3 % for each missing month, by no more than 10,8 %.
Will the widow’s pension be reduced because of my own earnings?
Yes. The widow’s pension is the only German pension in which the recipient’s own income is taken into account. Since 1 July 2026, 1.122,53 € per month are exempt, plus 238,11 € for each child entitled to an orphan’s pension; everything above that is counted at 40 % and reduces the payment accordingly. During the first three months (Sterbevierteljahr) income is not counted at all.
What happens to the pension if you remarry?
The payment stops, but on a first remarriage a one-off settlement (Rentenabfindung) is granted on application instead — 24 monthly pensions, calculated from the average amount of the last 12 months; less for a Kleine Witwenrente. If the new marriage breaks down, the entitlement to the pension after the first spouse can revive: this is a separate procedure handled directly with the DRV.
How and by when should the application be filed?
The pension is not granted automatically. The application is filed online via eservice-drv.de, at the Versicherungsamt at your place of residence or at a DRV advice centre. The deadline determines how much you get: if the application is filed within 12 calendar months after the month of death, the pension is paid from the date of death; if later, for the 12 months before the month of application. If the deceased was already drawing a pension, an advance for the Sterbevierteljahr can be requested from Deutsche Post within 30 days of the death.
Is the widow’s pension paid if you live outside Germany?
Yes, but in different ways. In Germany, the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the full amount is paid. In countries with a social security agreement (USA, Canada, Turkey and others) payment follows the respective agreement. In countries without an agreement § 113 SGB VI applies: only part of the pension points is taken into account and the amount falls. Before moving, request a written calculation from the DRV.
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Hello, I am Letty Hensel, married to Mr Horst Hensel (a pensioner), but he died on 22nd December 2024, and until now I have not received any benefits or pension as his beneficiary, even though we already sent the requirements and documents that they needed. Please help us.
Hello Letty,
I’m sorry for your loss. Please contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) directly, as they are responsible for the survivor’s pension and can check the status of your application and documents.
Good afternoon. My relative, born in 1936, who was married for over 60 years and is a late repatriate (Spätaussiedler), has been living in Germany since 1999. She buried her husband in 2022 and receives a large widow’s pension (Große Witwenrente) of 193 Euros. Her husband’s pension was 818 Euros. Is this pension amount lawful, given that the widow’s own pension is 920 Euros?
Good evening! My husband, a German citizen, 89 years old, received a pension and had an Anmeldung in Munich. I am a Latvian citizen (EU member), 56 years old. Married since 1997 (marriage registered in Latvia).
My husband is dying at my home in Latvia on 05.06.2025.
On 11.06.2025, I submitted documents to apply for a widow’s pension from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. I submitted them to the Latvian social welfare centre, to the international department.
The application did not separately state the request for the payment of the Sterbevierteljahr (nor did I request it as an advance for 3 months).
It is already 22/07/2025 and I have not received my husband’s pension payment in full for July.
What to do? Submit another application for the payment of Sterbevierteljahr?
Hello, in 2019 I received my deceased wife’s pension amounting to 4.66 euros and I have no other income or employment. Can I receive an amount to start a project? What are the conditions? From the city I only get the rent for the house, electricity and heating. It is deducted from my unemployment benefit, leaving my deceased wife’s pension income. Please note that [this is a] large widow’s pension
Peace be upon you.
How is my late husband’s pension transferred from Germany to Morocco, given that his bank account is in Germany and I want to transfer it from Germany to Morocco? Thank you, sir.
Hello,
1. Will a husband after his deceased wife (43 years of marriage) who was a disability pensioner get a widow’s pension?
2. Can I switch entirely to the survivor’s pension after my deceased wife?
3. Upon my return to Poland, will the widow’s pension be paid in full into a Polish foreign currency account?
4. I receive a pension in Germany for periods of employment in Poland during which I paid contributions (around 10 years); I returned to Poland for over a year to look after a sick relative. My pension was reduced by 40% under some archaic agreement dating from 1971. I have returned to Germany, but my pension has not been restored to its original level and remains below the state pension threshold.
Yours faithfully
AS
Good afternoon. Can the wife of a fallen soldier in Ukraine receive a widow’s pension in Germany if we have already been living here for 3 years? He was never in Germany. If they were married for 12 years and there is a minor child... Will there be any allowance for the child?
Thank you for the reply.
Hello.
A widow’s pension is only awarded to those who have earned a pension in Germany. The widow’s pension is actually paid out of this pension.
If there were no contributions to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German statutory pension insurance), then a widow’s pension is not payable either.
Hello, my husband recently passed away. He was working, he was 58, and I am 57 and a housewife. We were married for 30 years. I understand that I am entitled to a large widow’s pension. Could you please tell me which pension amount it is calculated from, because there are two amounts in the pension documents: one amount if he were to retire now, and a second amount if he were to work until the statutory retirement age.
Good afternoon.
The calculation will be based on the amount he would receive if he were to retire now.
Good day! I hope for your help. I was married to a German citizen from 18 July 2008. We registered the marriage and lived in Ukraine until the time of his death. He died on 31 January 2019. At the time of his death, he was 44 years old. For five years, I have not applied anywhere. Can I now apply for a widow’s pension? If so, how can I do this in Ukraine? Could you write step-by-step how and where to apply. Thank you
My wife died at the age of 47. I am 52.
And my son is 14. Could you please tell me if my underage child will receive additional money (apart from what I will be receiving, i.e. the widower’s pension)?
I live in Germany and receive a widow’s pension. Tell me, will returning to live in Russia affect the amount of the pension?
When moving to Russia, a widow’s pension from Germany can continue to be paid, but changes to the amount of the payments are possible. A pension from statutory pension insurance is usually transferred abroad, although some additional payments may be reduced. It is also worth considering potential taxes in both countries, although there is a double taxation agreement between Germany and Russia. It is recommended to contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung to clarify the details and for a consultation.
Hello
My husband, a German citizen, died on 08.06.2024; we were married for over 16 years. I hold a permanent residence permit and Russian citizenship.
I have been awarded a widow’s pension.
Can I receive it in Russia?
After my husband’s death, I received three months of his pension all at once. Is it considered income if I receive Grundsicherung? My age is 75.
,
Galina, hello.
You can receive a widow’s pension, regardless of your place of residence.
As for whether a pension is considered income, it is best to clarify this with the Sozialamt.
Good afternoon. What is the maximum duration for a widow’s pension? I couldn’t find this information.
Good afternoon! The maximum duration for receiving a widow’s or widower’s pension in Germany depends on the type of pension:
1. Small widow’s/widower’s pension (kleine Witwen-/Witwerrente): A widow or widower can receive this pension for 2 years after the death of their spouse. After that, the payment ceases unless other conditions are met for transitioning to a larger pension.
2. Large widow’s/widower’s pension: This type of pension is paid for life, provided that the recipient meets certain criteria, for example:
Reached the age of 47 (or 45, if the death of the spouse occurred before 2012).
They have minor children or children with disabilities who require care.
The recipient has a disability.
Therefore, for the small widow’s pension the period is 2 years, and for the large widow’s pension it can be paid for life, provided the conditions are met.
Good afternoon, I understand that it is possible to receive a widow’s pension even if the marriage lasted only a year, but how does such a short period affect the % pension? Thank you
Lydia, good afternoon.
Being married for more than one year is one of the conditions for receiving a widow’s pension.
The number of years of marriage (over a year) does not affect the amount of the widow’s pension.
If the couple have minor children or the surviving spouse has reached the age of 47, the surviving spouse is entitled to a higher widow’s pension (Große Witwenrente) – 55% of the deceased’s pension.
Peace be upon you.
My husband passed away in Germany. I authorised my granddaughter to handle the legal procedures # regarding the widow’s pension #. I gave her permission to provide them with her personal bank account number, as I did not have one.
An account. She is a student in Germany. Is it possible for me to open an account in my name in Germany? And what are the legal procedures? And is it possible to get a visa to go and carry out these procedures? And thank you, sir.
Bearing in mind that I am resident in Morocco and 77 years old
Hello.
You can arrange for the widow’s pension to be paid into your account in Morocco. You can also do all of this through the consulate in Germany in your country — this will take a little longer. Or, as you wrote, through your granddaughter in Germany.
Regarding the visa issue, you need to contact the German consulate.
Good afternoon! Will I be entitled to a widow’s pension in Germany if my husband is a German citizen and a pensioner, I am Russian, and we plan to live in Spain, where I intend to apply for a Spanish residence permit?
Good afternoon.
Yes, you are entitled to a widow’s pension if you meet the cohabitation requirements.
Nationality does not play a role in this case.
I am 36 years old, my wife has just passed away, could I receive a widow’s pension knowing that I do not work
If you are entitled to a small widow’s pension, you can request a part of the pension earned by your wife from the pension fund.
I sympathise with your grief.
Hello. I am 57 years old. My husband is 61. We have been married for 21 years. In the event of my husband’s death, I can expect a larger widow’s pension, as I understand it. The question is, if the pension is not enough to cover the apartment and everyday expenses, can any other payments be granted, for example, Wohngeld?
Hello!
In the event of your husband’s death, you can indeed count on a widow’s pension (Witwenrente) in Germany. If, after receiving it, your income is insufficient to cover basic expenses such as rent and daily living needs, you can apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld).
Housing benefit is provided to people on low incomes to help cover part of their rent or mortgage payments. There are also other forms of social assistance, such as “Grundsicherung im Alter” (basic income support for the elderly), if your income does not cover your basic living costs.
We recommend that you contact your local social services office (Sozialamt) or the department responsible for paying Wohngeld for more detailed advice on your specific case.
Hello
What percentage of the widow’s pension can I receive? My husband was 69 when he died. I was born in 1963. We were married and lived together from December 2013 to 30 June 2024.
In Germany, the widow’s pension (Witwenrente) depends on several factors, including age, the duration of the marriage, and the total amount of your husband’s pension contributions. There are two types of widow’s pension: the minor widow’s pension and the major widow’s pension.
Increased widow’s pension: If you are over 45 years and 7 months of age, have a disability, or are bringing up a child under the age of 18, you are entitled to an increased widow’s pension. This amounts to 55% of your husband’s pension; however, if you were married before 2002 and one of you was born before 1962, the percentage may be 60%.
Reduced widow’s pension: If none of the above conditions are met, you will receive a reduced widow’s pension, which amounts to 25% of your husband’s pension and is paid for a maximum of 24 months.
As you are 60 years old and were married from December 2013 to June 2024, you are most likely entitled to a higher widow’s pension.
Do you assist people who have moved abroad with applying for bereavement pension benefits? If so, how much is your fee, and is this on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis?
Hello,
Thank you for getting in touch. I appreciate your enquiry, but I do not assist with applications for bereavement pension benefits.
Kind regards,
Valery Melech
Hello,
I do not hold German citizenship or a residence permit; I currently live in Singapore with my husband. My husband is currently receiving a German pension. Will I be entitled to a widow’s pension when my husband passes away?
Thank you for your advice,
Kind regards,
Kathy
Hello Kathy,
I’m sorry to hear about your concerns. Regarding your question about receiving a widow’s pension from Germany whilst living in Singapore, here are some important points to bear in mind:
Eligibility for a Widow’s Pension (Witwenrente)
1. Basic Eligibility: As a spouse, you are generally entitled to a widow’s pension if your husband has been paying contributions into the German pension system. This includes contributions to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
2. Residency: Living outside Germany does not necessarily mean you are ineligible to receive a widow’s pension. Germany has agreements with many countries to ensure that pensions are paid to beneficiaries living abroad.
3. Application Process: You will need to apply for the widow’s pension through the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. This process involves providing the necessary documentation, such as proof of marriage, your husband’s death certificate, and proof of your residence in Singapore.
Hello! How long must a couple have been married in order to qualify for a widow’s pension?
Good afternoon,
There are several conditions for receiving a widow’s pension. First and foremost, the couple must have been married for more than one year.
Alternatively, the couple must have minor children, or the surviving spouse must be at least 47 years old under the general conditions.
Hello! My husband, who was German, died in Germany following an illness, and he was in receipt of a pension of 2,500 euros. We got married in 2008 and lived together in Munich, but then in 2019 I moved to Russia to be with my daughter and stayed there, We kept in touch and did not get divorced. On 22 December 2024, he passed away but left a letter stating that I should apply for the pension and receive it. Please could you tell me whether I am entitled to receive it and how I can apply for it, given that I live in Moscow and my residence permit has long since expired? Do I need to travel to Germany to apply for the pension, or can this be done whilst I am here in Moscow? I am 57 years old.
Hello, Lilia.
Your entitlement to a widow’s pension in Germany is determined by German pension legislation. As your husband was insured in Germany, you are most likely entitled to a widow’s pension.
Here are the steps you may need to take:
1. Establishing entitlement to a pension: You will need to prove your eligibility for a widow’s pension. This usually involves providing the spouse’s death certificate, marriage certificate, information on the spouse’s insurance record and other documents.
2. Submitting an application: Usually, to apply for a pension, it is not necessary to be in the country where the pension will be paid. Embassies and consulates often provide the relevant services, or you can use post or online services.
3. Embassy assistance: The German Embassy or consulate in Russia can provide you with information and help with the application process.
The necessity of your return to Germany to apply for a pension depends on many factors, including the requirements of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German statutory pension insurance) and the possibility of submitting documents through diplomatic or consular missions. It appears that you will not have to return to Germany for this process, but you can clarify this point precisely by contacting the Deutsche Rentenversicherung or the embassy.
Good afternoon, first of all I would like to thank you for your answers and help to people. I have found a lot of useful information here. I also have a question. I receive a widow’s pension, currently I live and work in Germany, but in time I want to return to my homeland, to Ukraine, so my question is: will I be able to receive my German widow’s pension in Ukraine, or will I need to pay taxes on it in Germany, if I plan to return permanently? By how much will my pension be reduced upon moving to Ukraine if its amount is 600 euros? And one more question. My late husband had supplementary pension insurance for which his employer paid for almost 16 years. When applying to the insurance company for payouts, I was refused. The insurance company refers to the fact that the contract stipulates »Bei Tod der versicherten Person vor Beginn der Rentenzahlung wird keine Todesfallleistung faellig und Versicherung erlischt». I am the sole heir of my deceased husband and have the relevant documents. Thank you.
Good afternoon.
You can receive a German pension while living outside of Germany as well. Therefore, you can continue to receive it even after returning to Ukraine.
In the current year, 11,604 euros a year are tax-free in Germany.
Regarding your second question, it is necessary to look at the contract. And if payments are indeed not provided for in the event of death before retirement payouts begin, then that is indeed the case.
Good afternoon, I applied for my widow’s pension in September, but only received the first payment in March. Am I entitled to a payment for all the months since I applied for the pension, i.e. from September? If so, what do I need to do to have everything paid out? I am working; will tax be deducted from the widow’s pension, and if so, at what rate?
In Germany, when you apply for a survivor’s pension (Hinterbliebenenrente), you are indeed entitled to payments for the entire period from the time you became eligible until the actual payments begin. If you applied for the pension in September and the first payment only arrived in March, you should be paid arrears for all the preceding months.
Regarding taxation, pensions in Germany are subject to tax. Your widow’s pension will be included in your total annual income and taxed in accordance with your individual tax rate. The amount of tax depends on your total annual income, which includes both your salary and the pension received.
Hello, I have been receiving a widow’s pension since 2019, and in 2023 I moved to Australia to live with my daughter. There have been major delays with the transfer of my pension, and as of today, I have not received my pension for the last 3 months. Numerous calls to the Knappschaft, filling out forms, and sending them by post and electronically have yielded no results. Where can I turn for assistance with this matter?
And one more question: can I arrange for my German widow’s pension to be paid into Russia at the moment?
Hello.
In your situation, there are several options that could help resolve the issue of having your pension paid into Australia, as well as the possibility of having your pension paid into Russia, although this is likely to be problematic.
To resolve the issue with the pension delay:
German Embassy or Consulate in Australia: Please contact the consular section of the German Embassy or Consulate in Australia. They can provide advice and support on matters relating to social security benefits and pensions for German citizens living abroad.
But first and foremost, you need to contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German statutory pension insurance) and confirm your identity. Previously, this had to be done via a DHL office.
Good afternoon!
My retired husband has passed away in Germany. I have been living in Ukraine for a year due to life circumstances. How do I apply for a widow’s pension, can this be done without being personally present in Germany? I have no idea where to start. And can I entrust this matter to a lawyer? Thank you.
Hello.
If you are entitled to a widow’s pension – that is, if your husband was receiving a German pension – it is best to go through a trusted solicitor.
what is the situation regarding my husband’s debts? After my husband’s death, a substantial credit card debt remains. I only found out about these debts after his severe illness. I would like to know what awaits me. Am I obliged to pay his debt?
In Germany, as in many other countries, debts may be passed on to the debtor’s heirs following their death. However, there are certain nuances that are important to bear in mind:
Inheritance of debts: By default, heirs assume liability for the deceased’s debts, along with their assets. This means that if you are your husband’s legal heir, you will, unfortunately, also inherit his debts.
Waiver of inheritance: In Germany, heirs have the option to waive an inheritance, which includes both assets and debts. The waiver must be made in writing and submitted to the appropriate court within a specific period after notification of death (usually 6 weeks).
Limited liability: If you accept an inheritance but wish to limit your liability to the value of the estate, there is a process in Germany known as «Nachlassverwaltung» (administration of the estate). This means that your personal liability for debts is limited to the value of the estate.
Life insurance and other policies: Sometimes debts can be covered through the deceased’s life insurance or other types of insurance, if any exist.
Legal consultation: It is very important to consult a lawyer in Germany to fully understand your duties and rights. They will be able to provide you with individual advice based on your unique situation.
Credit card debt: The specifics of credit card obligations may vary depending on the terms of the agreement and the issuing bank. Therefore, in addition to general legal advice, you may also need to discuss this matter directly with the bank.
Please bear in mind that every situation is unique, and you should seek personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances. If you have any further questions about financial or insurance products in Germany, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Hello! Am I entitled to a widow’s pension if I do not hold German citizenship? I have a residence permit, which is renewed every three years. My husband is 80 years old; he has prepared all the documents so that it won’t be too much trouble for me to sort this out. I split my time between two countries: one month in Germany and two months in Russia.
Hello!
Receiving a widow’s pension in Germany is not necessarily tied to having German citizenship. Important conditions for receiving a widow’s pension are proof of a legal marriage, residence in Germany, and contributions made to the country’s pension system by the deceased spouse. A residence permit (Verbleiberecht/Aufenthaltstitel) allows you to live and work in Germany, and may also be taken into account when applying for a pension.
In your case, if you live in Germany and your husband has paid the necessary pension contributions, you may be entitled to a widow’s pension following his death. The fact that you live in two countries does not disqualify you from receiving a pension, but it may affect the process of claiming it.
If a husband was paying the premium rate for health insurance from his wages, and the wife chooses to continue paying for health insurance from her widow’s pension, will she also have to pay the premium rate, or can she choose to pay the lower public rate? Given that her pension will be reduced?
If a widow is receiving a pension, her health insurance typically continues, with contributions automatically deducted from her pension. The rate is based on her income and other factors. Switching from private to public insurance isn’t easy and depends on specific eligibility criteria. It’s best for her to consult with her current health insurance provider for precise guidance.
Hello, good day. May I ask if there are other benefits I can claim from my husband after he died apart from my widow’s pension, or any insurance of his? Because I have only claimed my widow’s pension since his death.
I’m not a solicitor, but there are several factors that could affect the benefits or claims to which you may be entitled in Germany following the death of your spouse. Some areas worth looking into include:
Life Insurance: If your husband had a life insurance policy, you might be entitled to receive a payout as the beneficiary. It would be important to have a copy of the insurance policy and to contact the insurance company directly to understand the procedure for making a claim.
Accident Insurance: If your husband’s death was the result of an accident, and if he had accident insurance, you may be entitled to benefits as a result.
Occupational Pensions: If your husband was employed, he might have been enrolled in an occupational pension scheme. You should contact his former employer to find out if there are any survivor benefits available to you.
Other Social Insurance Benefits: There may be other types of social insurance benefits available to you as a widow, such as unemployment benefits if your husband’s death affects your own employment situation.
Savings and Investments: Any savings accounts, investments or other assets your husband held may now belong to you, or form part of his estate. You may need to consult a solicitor to understand how these assets will be distributed.
Property: If your husband owned property, you may have rights to that property either in your own right or as part of his estate.
Inheritance: Depending on the laws in Germany and whether or not there is a will, you may be entitled to inherit certain assets from your husband.
Tax Benefits: There may be tax benefits available to you as a widow, such as a change in your tax filing status or potential deductions.
It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who is familiar with German law to get a better understanding of what claims or benefits might be available to you. There might be specific deadlines or procedures that need to be followed to ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Bear in mind that laws and procedures are subject to change, and a professional will have the most up-to-date information to help guide you through the process.
Hello, am I entitled to a widow’s pension from my husband who died, but we were divorced, were married from 1992 to 2011, and neither he nor I entered into marriage with other people after the divorce?
Thank you!
Hello!
In Germany, entitlement to a widow’s pension (Witwenrente or Witwenpension) depends on a number of factors, one of the main ones being the length of the marriage. Your marriage lasted 19 years, which is a significant period. However, given that you are now divorced, you need to bear the following in mind:
Entitlement to a «divorce-related» widow’s pension (Geschiedenen-Witwenrente): If you were divorced from your husband but neither of you remarried before his death, you may be entitled to what is known as a «divorce» widow’s pension. It is usually lower than the standard widow’s pension, and you will need to demonstrate that you cannot meet your basic needs without this pension.
Duration of marriage: Usually, to be eligible for a pension, the marriage must have lasted a certain number of years. Your marriage lasted for 19 years, which in most cases is sufficient.
Age: Age can also affect the entitlement to a widow’s pension, particularly when considering the «divorcee’s» widow’s pension.
Other conditions: There may be other conditions, such as financial standing or having children, which could affect your entitlement to a pension.
In practice, the best solution would be to contact the local social insurance office (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) or a legal adviser specialising in pension law to clarify all the details of your specific case. Some nuances may depend on your region of residence and other individual factors.
I hope we were able to answer your question.
Hello.
I am working and I am 65 years old. I work 73 hours a month. The pay is at the minimum rate. How will this affect the amount of my widow’s pension?
Thank you
Hello.
I am working and I am 65 years old. I work 73 hours a month. The pay is at the minimum rate. How will this affect the amount of my widow’s pension?
Thank you
Hello!
The German pension system is complex and depends on many factors. The basis for calculating the pension is the total amount of contributions paid into the German pension system over a lifetime. The amount of the widow’s or widower’s pension depends on the size of the deceased spouse’s pension, and as a rule, the widow or widower receives a percentage of the deceased spouse’s pension.
The following standard rates for widow’s pensions apply in Germany:
Full widow’s pension (Große Witwenrente) — 55% of the deceased’s pension.
Your salary has no effect on the amount of the widow’s pension you are entitled to.
Yours sincerely,
FinBer Team