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Pension

Apply for a widow's or widower's pension

Pension for surviving spouses or registered domestic partners following the death of the insured partner.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Online application possibleSuccess rate: 92.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Obtain a death certificate

    At the registry office in the place of death.

  2. 2

    Submit an application to the Social Security Administration

    In person, online, or through a funeral home or insurance agency.

  3. 3

    received a notice

    Full widow's pension (55%) or partial widow's pension (25%), depending on eligibility.

Required documents

  • Death certificateMandatory
  • Marriage certificateMandatoryOften forgotten

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

  • • Death certificate is missing
  • • Personal income not reported (calculated based on the quarter of death)

Common reasons for rejection

  • • The waiting period for the deceased has not been met
  • • Marriage entered into shortly before death (presumption of a marriage of convenience)

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Widowed spouses or domestic partners, provided the deceased had completed the general waiting period of 5 years.

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. 92.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Death certificate is missing
  • •Personal income not reported (calculated based on the quarter of death)

Common reasons for rejection

  • •The waiting period for the deceased has not been met
  • •Marriage entered into shortly before death (presumption of a marriage of convenience)

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.

Questions & Answers

What is the presumption of a marriage of convenience?▼

If the marriage took place less than one year before the death, it is presumed that the marriage was entered into for the purpose of providing for the spouse—the widow’s pension may then be denied unless this presumption is rebutted.

Read more

Handle Apply for a widow's or widower's pension online

Submit your application directly online – without visiting an office.

Start online application