VBL Widow’s Pension and Death Benefit: Your comprehensive guide to financial security in an emergency
05.06.25
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The loss of a loved one is an emotional and often financial challenge. The VBL widow’s pension and the topic of funeral grant can be an important support during this difficult time. Find out here what entitlements you have and how to claim them.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The VBL widow’s pension provides financial support for survivors of public-sector employees, and the amount is usually 55 per cent (large pension) or 25 per cent (small pension) of the deceased’s VBL retirement pension.
The classic VBL death benefit has been abolished; however, benefits in the event of death can result from voluntary supplementary insurance policies such as VBLextra or VBLdynamik.
An application to the VBL is required, with deadlines and the submission of specific documents such as the death certificate and proof of income to be observed.
VBL widow's pension and death grant: The most important facts at a glance
In the event of the death of a VBL policyholder, dependants may, under certain conditions, receive a widow’s or widower’s pension. This occupational pension supplements the statutory survivors’ pension. The classic VBL death benefit has been abolished, although benefits may be available under VBLdynamik or other contract types in some cases. The widow’s pension usually amounts to fifty-five per cent of the deceased person’s retirement pension. Application deadlines must be observed, often within thirty days of the death for certain advance payments.
Understanding the eligibility requirements for the VBL widow's pension
To receive a VBL widow's pension, several conditions must be met. The marriage or registered civil partnership must have existed at the time of death and, as a rule, must have lasted for at least one year. The deceased must have completed a certain minimum period of insurance with the VBL; this is often sixty contribution months. A distinction is made between the small and large widow's pension, depending on the widow/widower's age, whether children are being raised, or whether there is a reduced earning capacity. The large widow's pension, for example, requires that the surviving person has reached a certain age (often forty-seven years, increasing in stages) or is raising a child. A apply for a survivor's pension is an important step.
Understand the calculation and amount of the VBL widow’s pension
The amount of the VBL widow’s pension is not fixed at a flat rate, but depends on the deceased’s accrued entitlements. As a rule, the large widow’s pension amounts to fifty-five per cent of the occupational pension the deceased would have received or had already been receiving. For the small widow’s pension, it is twenty-five per cent. The widow’s or widower’s own income may be offset against the widow’s pension, although there are allowances. For example, the allowance stood at EUR 992.64 from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. If the partner dies before their sixty-fifth birthday, deductions may apply, for example 10.8 per cent if death occurs before the sixty-second birthday. A supplementary pension calculator for the public sector can provide an initial indication.
The following factors significantly influence the pension amount:
The level of pension entitlements accrued by the deceased.
The widow’s/widower’s age and, where applicable, the raising of children (distinction between small/large widow’s pension).
Any pension deductions in the event of the insured person’s early death.
The offsetting of own income above the allowances.
This complexity underlines the need to obtain accurate information.
VBL death benefit: Check current regulations and alternatives
The original VBL death grant for all insured persons was gradually abolished as part of a system change by 2008. There is therefore no longer any automatic entitlement to a death grant from VBLklassik for more recent deaths. However, under certain circumstances, benefits may still be available, for example if the deceased had taken out voluntary insurance such as VBLextra or VBLdynamik, which includes a death benefit. Payouts of up to 7,000 euros may be possible here. It is therefore important to check the deceased’s contract documents carefully. Alternatively, a private funeral expenses insurance is an important form of provision. The funeral expenses insurance covers funeral costs.
Applying for a VBL widow’s pension: step-by-step guide
The application for a VBL widow’s pension must be submitted to the VBL. The relevant forms (e.g. L601A) can be found on the VBL website. Various documents must be enclosed with the application, such as the death certificate and details of health and long-term care insurance. If the deceased was compulsorily insured up to the time of death, additional information from the employer is often also required (form L601B). It is advisable to submit the application promptly, as a deadline of thirty days applies to certain benefits, such as the widow’s quarter in the statutory pension scheme. The VBL requests data from the statutory pension insurance electronically. A application for death benefit from the pension insurance is to be considered separately.
For a complete application, the following documents are usually required:
Completed VBL application form.
Death certificate of the insured person.
Marriage certificate or proof of registered civil partnership.
Details of your own health and long-term care insurance.
Birth certificates of the children, if applicable.
Bank details for payment.
The VBL will provide the exact requirements.
Expert depth: Legal foundations and special cases in VBL survivors’ benefits
The legal basis for the VBL widow’s pension can be found in the VBL’s statutes as well as in the Occupational Pensions Act (BetrAVG). The offsetting of income against the survivor’s pension is governed by the provisions of the Social Code (SGB IV, Section 18a et seq. and SGB VI, Section 97). Our expert tip: pay attention to the exact rules on income offsetting, as there is often uncertainty here. Not all income is fully taken into account. On remarriage, entitlement to widow’s pension ends, but a pension settlement in the amount of twenty-four monthly pensions can be applied for. For civil servants, different rules sometimes apply to the death grant, which there can often amount to twice the last gross salary. The payout of a term life insurance policy is made regardless of this.
Imagine your spouse, who has been employed by a municipality for fifteen years and insured with the VBL, dies at the age of sixty. You are fifty-eight years old and have your own gross income of 1,500 euros. You would be entitled to the large widow’s pension from the VBL, as you have not yet reached the required age, but the marriage had lasted long enough and your partner had met the qualifying period. Your income would be taken into account on a pro rata basis, after deduction of the allowance of currently over 990 euros. The VBL will carry out an exact calculation. Recommended action: Gather all documents at an early stage and, if anything is unclear, seek support directly from the VBL or a specialist adviser. Also clarify whether there was term life insurance. The preparations for the event of death can provide relief.
Future insurance cover and advice from nextsure
The regulations on the VBL widow’s pension and death benefit are complex and may change. Early engagement with your own provision is therefore essential. nextsure supports you as a digital insurance portal in analysing your individual situation and finding tailored solutions for your cover. We help you keep track of your entitlements and advise you on supplementary insurance products, so that you and your family are as well protected as possible in the event of the worst happening. Careful planning can significantly reduce the financial burden during an already difficult time. The payout period of a life insurance policy is also an important aspect.
Request an individual risk assessment now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
German Pension Insurance provides comprehensive information on survivors' pensions.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) provides information on statutory survivors' pensions.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes statistical reports on deaths and life expectancy.
The dbb civil servants' federation and collective bargaining union offers information on death grants for civil servants.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides critical information on death benefit insurance policies.
FAQ
What is the difference between the small and large widow’s pension at the VBL?
The larger widow's pension (55 per cent of the deceased's VBL pension) is paid if the widow/widower has reached a certain age (e.g. 47 years, increasing), is unable to work due to reduced earning capacity, or is raising a child. If none of these apply, the smaller widow's pension (25 per cent) is available for a maximum of 24 months (exceptions for marriages before 2002 and if one partner was born before 1962).
Will my own income be taken into account for the VBL widow's pension?
Yes, your own earned income or replacement income is taken into account at 40 per cent towards the VBL widow's pension above an allowance (e.g. EUR 992.64 from 1.7.23-30.6.24).
How long does it take to process an application for a VBL widow’s pension?
Processing time may vary. It is advisable to submit the application as early as possible and in full. The VBL also requires data from the statutory pension insurance, which can take time.
What happens to my entitlement to a VBL widow's pension if I remarry?
The entitlement to VBL widow's pension expires at the end of the month in which you remarry. However, you can apply for a pension settlement in the amount of 24 average monthly pensions.
My late partner was a civil servant, not just insured with VBL. Are there any special provisions regarding the death grant?
Yes, for civil servants there are separate rules on the death grant. It is often twice the amount of the last service pay or trainee pay, or of the pension, and is paid to those primarily entitled (spouse, children). This is independent of the VBL.
Where can I find the application forms for the VBL widow’s pension?
The current application forms (e.g. L601A for widows/widowers), as well as guidance on completing them and information brochures, are available from VBL on its official website in the section for pensioners and surviving dependants.
