Widow's and widower's pension: entitlement, amount and the mourning quarter

If the spouse or registered life partner dies, an entitlement to a widow's or widower's pension may exist. In the first three months (mourning quarter) it is paid in full; after that the amount depends on your own income. There is a small and a large pension.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Start application help →

Your chances of getting your money back

In the mourning quarter (the first three months after the death), the widow's/widower's pension is paid in full without crediting of income (§ 46 SGB VI). You should file the application early.

After that, your own income above an allowance is partly credited. The large widow's pension is available, among other things, from a certain age, in cases of reduced earning capacity or when a child is being raised; otherwise the small pension.

What you should do now

1
1. Apply early
File the application promptly with the pension insurer. For the full mourning quarter, a quick application is worthwhile (an advance is possible).
2
2. Small or large pension?
Check whether you meet the requirements of the large widow's pension (age, reduced earning capacity, child-raising); it is higher.
3
3. State income
After the mourning quarter, income above the allowance is partly credited. State your earnings correctly.
4
4. Check the notice
Check the start, type of pension and crediting. In case of errors you can file an objection within one month.

How to spot the scam

You apply for the pension very late and give away advantages.
The crediting of income seems set too high.
A remarriage or earlier divorce is not correctly taken into account.

Frequently asked questions

Who is entitled to a widow's pension?

Surviving spouses or registered life partners, if the deceased fulfilled the necessary insurance period. In cases of a very short marriage, the entitlement can be limited. You file the application with the pension insurer.

What is the mourning quarter?

The first three calendar months after the death, in which the widow's/widower's pension is paid in full without crediting of income. After that, your own income above an allowance is partly credited.

What is the difference between the small and large widow's pension?

The large widow's pension is higher and is paid, among other things, from a certain age, in cases of reduced earning capacity or when raising a child. Otherwise there is the small, lower and usually time-limited pension.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Start application help Check a suspicious message

More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.