German pension rules for widow and widower benefits

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) provides guidelines regarding widow and widower pensions, which are intended to secure the livelihood of surviving partners. Eligibility generally requires a marriage or registered partnership lasting at least one year, unless death resulted from an accident.

There are two primary types of benefits: the ‘small widow's pension’ and the ‘large widow's pension.’ The small pension is limited to a maximum of two years for survivors under age 47 who are fully capable of working and not raising children; it amounts to 25 percent of the deceased's pension. The large pension is indefinite and amounts to 55 percent of the deceased's pension. For those whose partners were born before January 2, 1962, an ‘old law’ applies, providing 60 percent.

During the first three months following the month of death, known as the ‘death quarter,’ the pension is paid in full. After this period, the survivor's own income or other pensions are taken into account, which may result in a reduction of the payment amount.