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death benefit claim pension insurance
Death Benefit Pension Application: How to Secure Your Financial Transition Phase
The loss of a loved one is emotionally and often financially challenging. The German Pension Insurance provides important financial support through the 'Sterbevierteljahr' (bereavement quarter). Find out here how to correctly submit your application and what you are entitled to.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The German Pension Insurance does not pay traditional death benefits, but instead provides the 'Sterbevierteljahr': three months of the deceased's full pension for the surviving partner.
The application for the death benefit quarter (advance payment) must be submitted to the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG within thirty days if the deceased was already receiving a pension.
In parallel with the quarter-year after death, a separate application for a widow's or widower's pension must be submitted to the pension insurance provider.
Understanding the Final Quarter: More Than Just a Term
The German Pension Insurance does not pay a traditional death grant to cover funeral expenses. Instead, there is the so-called 'Sterbevierteljahr', a financial bridging support for widows and widowers. For the three calendar months following the month of death, the full pension of the deceased is continued. If the deceased was not yet a pensioner, the full disability pension serves as the basis for calculation. The surviving person's own income is not taken into account during these three months. This benefit is intended to ease the transition into the new financial situation. It is important to know that this advance payment is offset against the later widow's pension. Correct application ensures you receive this important initial financial aid.
Check eligibility for the bereavement quarter
Not everyone is automatically entitled to the three-month death benefit. Certain conditions must be met. A key requirement is that the deceased was insured under the statutory pension scheme. Additionally, the marriage or registered civil partnership must have existed at the time of death and lasted for at least one year. Exceptions to this minimum duration apply, for example, in the case of an accidental death. The surviving person must not have remarried and must have their residence or habitual abode in Germany. If you meet these criteria, you are generally entitled to the three-month death benefit. Checking these points is the first step before actually submitting the application.
Mastering the Application Process for the Bereavement Quarter: Two Scenarios
The application process for the bereavement quarter varies depending on whether the deceased had already been receiving a pension or not. If the deceased was already receiving a pension, the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG is responsible. The application for an advance payment should be submitted there within thirty days of the death. Many funeral companies offer to take over this application process. The following documents are typically required:
The death certificate, either in original or as a certified copy.
The applicant's identity card.
The deceased's pension insurance number.
The marriage certificate, if applicable.
The applicant's bank details.
If the deceased had not yet received a pension, the application for a widow's or widower's pension must be submitted directly to the relevant pension insurance provider. In this case, the pension insurance provider also calculates the bereavement quarter. Submitting all documents early expedites the processing by several weeks.
Deadlines and Forms: Keeping track
The most important deadline is the thirty-day period for applying for an advance payment with the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG, if the deceased was a pensioner. If this deadline is missed, the entitlement to the full pension payment for the bereavement quarter is not lost, but the payment will then be made later with the regular survivor's pension. The application form for the advance is available online from the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG. For the actual application for a widow's or widower's pension with the German Pension Insurance, there are also form packages available online or at advisory centres. It is advisable to take care of the application forms early. The processing time can vary between four and twelve weeks, depending on workload and the completeness of the documents.
Expert tips for the application and beyond
Our Expert Tip: Gather all necessary documents, such as the death certificate, marriage certificate, and the deceased's pension documents, as early as possible. Submitting a complete set of documents significantly speeds up the process. If you have any uncertainties, seek free advice from the information and advisory centres of the German Pension Insurance or the municipal insurance offices. Remember that the bereavement quarter's pension may be taxable, as well as the subsequent widow's or widower's pension. Consulting a tax advisor can be beneficial here. To cover the actual funeral costs, which can quickly amount to several thousand euros, it is advisable to make private provisions through a funeral insurance or a term life insurance, as the statutory pension insurance does not cover these costs. Make sure to check the regulations of supplementary pension funds, in case the deceased had entitlements there.
Consider additional financial aspects in the event of death
In addition to the quarter of death and the survivor's pension, there are other financial aspects to consider. Funeral costs can quickly amount to four thousand to ten thousand euros or more. Check whether private insurances such as term life insurance or accident insurance with death benefits exist. Sometimes employers or unions also provide death benefits. The payout of a term life insurance can be an important financial support. Also clarify how long the payout of a life insurance takes. Good preparation for death can relieve many worries for survivors. Inform yourself generally about what the pension insurance provides.
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More useful links
Deutsche Rentenversicherung provides comprehensive information on pensions for survivors.
The Deutsche Rentenversicherung makes a brochure on survivor pensions available to support during difficult times.
You can find form R0500 to apply for a survivor pension at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
The Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales answers frequently asked questions about survivor pensions.
The Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) publishes press releases with relevant statistical data, including pension topics.
The Verbraucherzentrale examines whether funeral insurance is worthwhile.
Wikipedia offers a general overview on the topic of funeral allowances.
You can find Paragraph 46 of the Sixth Book of the Social Code (SGB VI) at gesetze-im-internet.de.
Information on inheritance tax, particularly Paragraph 33, is available on the website of the Bundesfinanzministerium.
FAQ
Does the pension insurance still pay a death grant?
No, the German pension insurance no longer pays a traditional death grant. Instead, there is the 'Sterbevierteljahr', where the deceased's pension is continued to be paid to the surviving partner for three months.
Who is entitled to the 'Sterbevierteljahr'?
Surviving spouses or registered civil partners are entitled if the deceased was legally insured for a pension, the partnership lasted at least one year, the surviving partner has not remarried, and resides in Germany.
Where do I apply for the 'Sterbevierteljahr'?
If the deceased was already a pensioner, you apply for the advance payment at the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG. If the deceased had not yet drawn a pension, you apply directly to the pension insurance institution for the survivor’s pension, which will also calculate the 'Sterbevierteljahr'.
Is the application for 'Sterbevierteljahr' the same as the application for a widow's pension?
No, the application for the 'Sterbevierteljahr' (advance payment) is not the same as the formal application for a widow's or widower's pension. The latter must be submitted separately to the competent pension insurance institution.
What is the deadline for applying for the 'Sterbevierteljahr'?
The application for the advance payment for the 'Sterbevierteljahr' should be submitted to the Pension Service of Deutsche Post AG within thirty days of the pensioner's death.
What happens after the 'Sterbevierteljahr'?
After the 'Sterbevierteljahr' ends, the regular widow's or widower's pension is paid. The surviving partner’s own income is then offset against this pension.
