Germany widows' pension earnings limit rises in 2026

From 1 July 2026 Germany’s pension value will increase to €42.52, raising the monthly income exemption for widow’s pensions to €1,122.53. Any net personal pension above this threshold will be partly deducted – 40 % of the excess – from the widow’s benefit, as stipulated in § 97 SGB VI. The German Pension Insurance explains the calculation: the exemption is the 26.4‑fold of the pension value, and additional allowances apply for widows with dependent children.

Eligibility for widow’s pension remains tied to a minimum five‑year contribution period and a marriage lasting at least one year at the time of death. A “large” widows’ pension (55–60 % of the deceased’s pension) is paid without time limit to those over 47 years or caring for a child, while a “small” pension (25 %) is limited to 24 months for younger, non‑caregiving survivors. The new 2026 exemption aims to prevent reductions for retirees whose own pension earnings stay below the €1,122.53 ceiling.