German Divorce Impacts on Pensions and Housing Benefits

Divorcing at age 55 in Germany triggers a mandatory pension split (Versorgungsausgleich). The pension points accrued during the marriage are halved, potentially boosting the lower‑earning partner's future pension. For example, after 25 years of marriage with an 18‑point gap, nine points are transferred, adding roughly €367 per month and about €88,000 over a 20‑year retirement. Private assets such as ETFs, savings accounts and real estate are handled separately in the wealth‑adjustment process.

For separating parents, child support is calculated using the Düsseldorfer Tabelle, which bases payments on the non‑custodial parent's net income and the child's age. Simultaneously, state housing benefit (Wohngeld) may be claimed by the parent who now lives alone. While Wohngeld helps cover rent, it is counted as income in support calculations unless it solely offsets increased housing costs. Approximately 44 % of Wohngeld recipients are families, many of them single parents, highlighting its role in preventing housing‑related financial crises after a divorce.