Widow's Pension Calculator
Calculate the entitlement to widow's or widower's pension. Large and small widow's pension compared. Free online, no registration required, up-to-date for 2026.
Details
Widow Pension per Month
€959.01
Large Widow pension (55%)
Total Income
€2,159.01
Own income + Widow pension
Widow Pension per Year
€11,508.14
Income Credit
Note: The large widow pension (55%) is paid if the survivor is over 47, has reduced earning capacity, or is raising a child. The small widow pension (25%) is limited to 24 months. Allowance West 2026: €1,122.53 + €238.11 per child. 40% of excess income is credited. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the widow's/widower's pension?
The small widow's pension is 25% of the deceased's pension for 24 months. The large widow's pension is 55% (or 60% under old law) if the survivor is over 47, disabled, or raising a child.
Does my own income affect the widow's pension?
Yes, own income above a tax-free allowance (currently about 992 euros net in West Germany) is credited at 40%. This means for every euro above the threshold, the pension is reduced by 40 cents.
Are 2026 standard rates reflected?
Yes — Bürgergeld, child benefit (€255/child), Wohngeld and other social benefits are all set to 2026 rates. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and German social code (SGB).
Guide
Quick Answer
The widow's/widower's pension calculator computes the amount of survivor's pension for spouses and registered partners.
What is the Widow's Pension Calculator?
The widow's/widower's pension calculator computes the amount of survivor's pension for spouses and registered partners.
How does the Widow's Pension Calculator work?
Enter the deceased's pension and your own income. Small widow's pension: 25% for 24 months. Large widow's pension: 55% (old law: 60%). Own income above the allowance is offset at 40%.
Key Data and Facts
Large widow's pension (new law): 55% of the insured person's pension. Allowance: 1,038.05 euros (West, 2026). Requirements: marriage at least 1 year and deceased had 5 years' qualifying period.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the widow's pension step by step: 1. Determine the type of widow's pension: small widow's pension: 25 % of the insured pension for 24 months. Requirement: no own children and under 47 years of age. Large widow's pension: 55 % of the insured pension (new law, marriage from 2002) or 60 % (old law). Requirement: over 47 years of age, or raising a child, or reduced earning capacity. 2. Determine the insured pension: the pension that the deceased received or would have received. In the quarter following the death (first 3 months) the deceased's full pension is paid. 3. Offset your own income: your own net income minus the allowance (1,038.05 EUR West, 2026). 40 % of the amount exceeding this is offset against the widow's pension. 4. Child supplement: when raising children, the large widow's pension is increased by a supplement per child. Example: the deceased had a pension entitlement of 1,600 EUR. The widow is 52 years old, with her own net income of 1,500 EUR. Large widow's pension (55 %): 1,600 x 55 % = 880 EUR. Income offsetting: 1,500 - 1,038.05 = 461.95 EUR. 40 % of this: 184.78 EUR reduction. Widow's pension after offsetting: 880 - 184.78 = 695.22 EUR per month. In the quarter following the death: the full 1,600 EUR per month.
Calculation Example
Verstorbener: 1.600 EUR pension. Witwe, 52 Jahre, net 1.500 EUR. Grosse Witwenrente (55 %): 880 EUR. Einkommensanrechnung: (1.500 - 1.038,05) x 40 % = 184,78 EUR. Auszahlung: 695,22 EUR/month.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
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