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Pension

Apply for a half-orphan's pension

Pension benefits from the German Pension Insurance Fund for children of deceased insured persons, provided the eligibility requirements (e.g., school or vocational training) are met.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Online application possibleSuccess rate: 85.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the German Pension Insurance

    Along with the child's death certificate and birth certificate.

  2. 2

    Submit proof of education (if you are of legal age)

    For continued payments beyond the age of 18.

  3. 3

    Ongoing payment

    Until the end of their education, or until they turn 27 at the latest.

Required documents

  • Death certificateMandatory
  • Birth certificateMandatory

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 3 months

Online application

Online possible – at the responsible authority

Common mistakes

  • • Certificate of enrollment for adult children not submitted; payment suspended as a result
  • • The application was not filed until months after the death

Common reasons for rejection

  • • The deceased did not meet the general waiting period (5 years)

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Children of a deceased parent who met the eligibility requirements under insurance law, generally up to the age of 18 (or 27 if they are in school).

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Certificate of enrollment for adult children not submitted; payment suspended as a result
  • •The application was not filed until months after the death

Common reasons for rejection

  • •The deceased did not meet the general waiting period (5 years)

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Related services

Apply for a widow's pension

Survivor's Pension for Spouses

Read more

Handle Apply for a half-orphan's pension online

Submit your application directly online – without visiting an office.

Start online application