Survivors' pension

The survivors' pension (Hinterbliebenenrente) financially protects spouses and children in Germany when the main earner dies.

Widow's/widower's pension:

Small widow's pension:

• 25% of the deceased's pension
• Limited to 24 months
• Requirement: the survivor doesn't meet the conditions for the large widow's pension; the marriage must generally have lasted at least 1 year (otherwise a "marriage of convenience" is presumed)

Large widow's pension (new law, married from 2002):

• 55% of the deceased's pension
• Unlimited in time
• Requirement: the survivor is over 47 OR has reduced earning capacity OR is raising a child

Large widow's pension (old law, married before 2002):

• 60% of the deceased's pension

Offsetting of income:

• Allowance (2025/2026): approx. €992 net (West) or €973 (East)
• Income above that is offset against the pension at 40%
• Example: €1,500 net income − €992 allowance = €508. 40% of that = €203 offset

Orphan's pension:

• Half-orphan's pension: 10% of the pension (one parent deceased)
• Full orphan's pension: 20% of the pension (both parents deceased)
• Until 18, or until 27 during training/studies

Quarter-year after death: in the first 3 months after the death, the deceased's full pension is paid out – without offsetting of income.