Widow's pension: More money for millions of surviving dependents from July!

Widow's pension: More money for millions of surviving dependents from July!

The air is thin for many survivors in Germany, but a new regulation should bring light into the dark clouds. From July 2025, the pension value for survivors' pensions will be increased significantly by 3.74 percent. This affects over five million people who are dependent on survivors' pensions after the loss of a loved one. The allowance for widows and widowers will also increase to 1,076.86 euros per month Merz.de reported.

For many people, having a lot more in their wallet can mean a positive change in their everyday lifestyle. In addition to increasing the pension value, the opportunities for additional income from survivors' pensions should also be improved. These measures are intended to create incentives for gainful employment and to help those left behind to stand on their own two feet again. However, details about a planned new credit system are still pending.

Important aspects of the survivor's pension

The survivor's pension fulfills an essential role by securing the livelihood of relatives who are dependent on support after the death of an insured person. Broadly speaking, there are two variants: the small widow's pension, which amounts to 25% of the deceased's pension, and the large widow's pension, which amounts to 55%. The German pension insurance explains that the entitlement to a widow's pension exists if the marriage or civil partnership lasted at least one year and the deceased completed the minimum insurance period of five years.

In the quarter of death, i.e. in the first three months after death, no personal income is taken into account. This means that for many it can seem like a financial relief if their own economic stability is not immediately at stake after the loss of a loved one. The allowance also increases if surviving dependents look after children of the deceased.

Insight into the subtle differences

• Kleine Witwenrente: 25% der Rente des verstorbenen Partners, jedoch Zugang nur für Personen unter 47 Jahren, die nicht erwerbsgemindert sind und kein Kind erziehen. Diese Rente wird höchstens zwei Jahre nach dem Tod gezahlt.
• Große Witwenrente: 55% der Rente des verstorbenen Partners, mit Anspruch ab Erreichen eines bestimmten Alters oder bei Erwerbsminderung. Auch hier gibt es besondere Regelungen, falls der Tod vor dem 1. Januar 2029 eingetreten ist.

A remarriage also has a major impact on the widow's pension, as payments then usually stop. However, there is the option of a pension settlement - a one-off payment of two annual amounts of the widow's pension.

In order to ensure smooth access to the survivor's pension, an application is necessary. Consultation appointments can be arranged to clarify individual options. In this way, surviving dependents can be advised which pension is suitable for their personal situation and how they can make optimal use of the new regulations. In addition, the parental pension will also continue to be available for divorced partners raising a child.

Overall, it shows that the coming changes can bring noticeable relief for many survivors. Loud Consumer Protection Forum It is crucial that those affected are well informed about their entitlements in order to make the best of their situation and not have to be left alone after a significant loss.