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Social benefits

Apply for a death benefit (grant)

Application for a death benefit under the civil service benefit program for civil servants and pensioners, or comparable benefits from professional pension funds, upon the death of a close relative.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Apply for a death benefit (grant) mit dem zuständigen Beihilfestelle in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a death benefit (grant).

Processing: approx. 1 monthsSuccess rate: 85.0 %
Last reviewed: August 02, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Death certificate · Personalausweis oder Reisepass

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    Apply directly online

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos – keine Gebühr für den Antrag

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the grant office

    Along with a death certificate and proof of eligibility for benefits.

  2. 2

    Payout

    To the heirs or surviving family members.

  3. 3

    Antrag einreichen

    Persönlich, postalisch oder online beim zuständigen Amt einreichen und Bearbeitungsbestätigung aufbewahren.

Responsible authority

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

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Eligible recipients (civil servants, retirees) or their surviving dependents in the event of the death of the eligible recipient or an eligible family member.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Missed the application deadline
  • The death certificate was not submitted as an original or certified copy

Common reasons for rejection

  • The deceased was not eligible for benefits at the time of death

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

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Sterbegeld beantragen (Beihilfe)?

In der Regel ca. 30 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
Data quality
100 %

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