Widow's pension – how to apply, step by step
After a spouse dies, a survivor pension protects part of the household income. Rules differ widely between countries. Here is the essential overview for Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the UK.
Switzerland: AVS and pension fund
AVS pays a widow's pension if the marriage lasted at least 5 years or there are common children. Widowers receive it only while a child under 18 lives at home. The amount equals 80 % of the deceased's old-age pension. The occupational pension fund pays an additional survivor's benefit (often 60 %).
Germany: small and large widow's pension
- Small: 25 % of the deceased's pension, limited to 24 months.
- Large: 55 % (or 60 % under old law) if you are 47 or older, disabled, or raising a child.
The first three months are paid in full (« Sterbevierteljahr »). Own income above a threshold is then offset.
Austria: Witwen-/Witwerpension
0–60 % of the deceased's pension, calculated from the income ratio of the last two years. Apply to the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA).
United Kingdom: Bereavement Support Payment
Replaces the older widow's pension since 2017. A lump sum (£2,500 or £3,500 with children) plus 18 monthly payments. Apply via gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment within 3 months for the full amount.
Documents
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate
- ID
- Social security / national insurance number
- IBAN
- Birth certificates of dependent children
Deadlines
Switzerland: retroactive up to 5 years. Germany: retroactive up to 12 months. Austria: similar. UK: full amount only if you apply within 3 months.
Wegbegleiter
the Wegbegleiter app prepares model letters for AVS, DRV, PVA and DWP, and lists the documents to enclose.
Frequently asked questions
- What if I remarry?
- Switzerland, Austria and the UK: the entitlement ends. Germany: a one-off payment (24 monthly pensions) is paid out.
- Is there an age limit?
- Yes, in most schemes (47 in Germany; rising). Switzerland's AVS has no minimum age if a child is involved.
- How long does processing take?
- 4–12 weeks in CH/DE; up to 4 months in AT; 3–6 weeks in the UK.
- Can I claim if I'm already retired?
- Yes, but your own pension may be offset against the survivor pension.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
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