German Widow's Pension (Witwenrente)

The German widow's or widower's pension (Witwenrente/Witwerrente) provides financial support to surviving spouses. This guide explains eligibility and benefits for foreigners.

What Is Witwenrente?

Widow's pension is a survivor benefit paid to the surviving spouse of a deceased person who was insured in the German pension system.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive widow's pension, you must:

✓ Have been legally married to the deceased
✓ Deceased had at least 5 years of German pension contributions
✓ Marriage lasted at least 1 year (exceptions apply)
✓ You haven't remarried

Age and Earning Limits

• Small widow's pension: Any age, limited to 24 months
• Large widow's pension:
  • Age 47+ OR
  • Caring for minor child OR
  • Disabled

Small vs. Large Widow's Pension

Small Widow's Pension (Kleine Witwenrente)

• Amount: 25% of deceased's pension entitlement
• Duration: 24 months maximum
• Eligibility: No age/dependency requirements

Large Widow's Pension (Große Witwenrente)

• Amount: 55% of deceased's pension entitlement (60% for marriages before 2002)
• Duration: Lifelong (until remarriage)
• Eligibility: Age 47+, minor children, or disability

How Much Can You Receive?

Amount depends on:

• Deceased's contribution history
• Type of pension (small vs. large)
• Your own income (may reduce benefit)

Example:

• Deceased's pension entitlement: €1,200/month
• Large widow's pension: €660/month (55%)
• Small widow's pension: €300/month (25%)

Income Limits and Reductions

If you earn more than €902.62/month (2023), your widow's pension may be reduced. This includes:

• Employment income
• Rental income
• Your own pension

For Foreign Spouses

Living in Germany

Foreign spouses living in Germany receive full benefits like German citizens.

Living Abroad

Benefits may continue if:

• You live in EU/EEA/Switzerland
• You live in a country with social security agreement with Germany

Living in Third Countries

Payments may be restricted or stopped in countries without agreements. Check specific country rules.

Application Process

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate
• Deceased's social security documents
• Your identity documents
• Proof of residence
• Bank details

How to Apply:

1. Contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung
2. Submit application form (V0500)
3. Provide required documents
4. Wait for processing (2-4 months)

Remarriage

If you remarry, widow's pension ends immediately. However, you may receive a one-time "Abfindung" (settlement payment) equal to 24 months of pension.

Children's Pension

In addition to widow's pension, eligible children receive orphan's pension:

• Half-orphan: 10% of deceased's pension
• Full orphan: 20% of deceased's pension
• Until age 18 (or 27 if in education)

Common Questions

Can divorced spouses get widow's pension?

Generally no, unless you were entitled to alimony from the deceased.

What if my spouse had little pension contributions?

They need minimum 5 years. If less, you may not be eligible.

Can I work while receiving widow's pension?

Yes, but earnings above €902.62/month may reduce your benefit.

Widow's Pension vs. Pension Refund

If your deceased spouse was eligible for a pension refund (non-EU, hadn't reached retirement), survivors typically cannot claim that refund. However, in some cases, estates may claim on behalf of deceased persons.

Need help navigating German widow's pension as a foreigner? Contact us for assistance!