VBL Widow's Pension and Death Benefits: Your Comprehensive Guide to Financial Security in an Emergency
5 Jun 2025
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging and often financially demanding as well. The VBL widow's pension and the issue of death benefit can be 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 surviving dependents of public service employees, with the amount usually being 55 percent (large pension) or 25 percent (small pension) of the deceased's VBL retirement pension.
The classic VBL death benefit has been abolished; however, benefits in the event of death may result from voluntary supplementary insurances such as VBLextra or VBLdynamik.
An application to the VBL is necessary, with attention to deadlines and the submission of specific documents such as a death certificate and proof of income.
VBL Widow's Pension and Funeral Allowance: An Overview of the Key Facts
In the event of the death of a VBL-insured person, survivors may receive a widow's or widower's pension under certain conditions. This company pension complements the statutory survivor's pension. The traditional VBL funeral grant has been abolished, however, there may be benefits from VBLdynamik or other contract forms. The widow's pension is usually fifty-five percent of the deceased's retirement salary. Deadlines must be observed for applications, often within thirty days of the death for certain advance payments.
Understanding eligibility requirements for the VBL widow's pension
To receive a VBL widow's pension, several conditions must be met. The marriage or registered partnership must have existed at the time of death and generally have lasted at least one year. The deceased must have completed a certain minimum insurance period with the VBL, which is often sixty contribution months. A distinction is made between the small and large widow's pension, depending on the age of the widow/widower, whether children are being raised, or if there is a reduction in earning capacity. For example, the large widow's pension requires that the surviving person has reached a certain age (often forty-seven years, gradually increasing) or is raising a child. Applying for a survivor's pension is an important step.
Understanding the calculation and amount of the VBL widower's pension
The amount of the VBL widow's pension is not predetermined but depends on the deceased's accrued entitlements. Typically, the large widow's pension is fifty-five percent of the occupational pension the deceased would have received or had already been receiving. In the case of the small widow's pension, it is twenty-five percent. The widow’s or widower's own income can be offset against the widow's pension, although there are exemptions. For instance, from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, the exemption was 992.64 euros. If the partner passes away before their sixty-fifth birthday, deductions may apply, such as 10.8 percent for death before the sixty-second birthday. An additional pension calculator for the public sector can provide initial guidance.
The following factors significantly influence the pension amount:
The level of pension entitlements reached by the deceased.
The age of the widow/widower and, if applicable, child-rearing (distinction between small/large widow's pension).
Possible pension deductions for the insured's early death.
The offset of own income above the exemptions.
This complexity underscores the necessity of obtaining detailed information.
The VBL Death Benefit: Review Current Regulations and Alternatives
The original VBL death benefit for all insured persons was gradually abolished by 2008 due to a system change. Therefore, there is no longer an automatic entitlement to a death benefit from VBLklassik for more recent deaths. However, under certain circumstances, benefits may still be available, for example, if the deceased had taken out supplementary insurance such as VBLextra or VBLdynamik, which includes a death benefit. In such cases, payouts of up to €7,000 may be possible. Therefore, examine the deceased's contract documents carefully. Alternatively, a private funeral insurance policy is an important precaution. The funeral insurance covers burial costs.
Application for 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 attached to the application, such as the death certificate and details regarding health and long-term care insurance. If the deceased was compulsorily insured until death, supplementary information from the employer is often required (form L601B). It is advisable to submit the application promptly, as there is a thirty-day deadline for certain benefits, such as the survivor's quarter in statutory pensions. The VBL requests data electronically from the statutory pension insurance. An application for funeral allowance with the pension insurance is to be considered separately.
For a complete application, the following documents are usually required:
Completed application form from the VBL.
Death certificate of the insured.
Marriage certificate or proof of registered civil partnership.
Details of own health and nursing care insurance.
Possibly children's birth certificates.
Bank account details for payment.
The exact requirements are communicated by the VBL.
Expert Depth: Legal Basics and Special Cases in VBL Survivor Benefits
The legal basis for the VBL widow's pension is found in the statutes of the VBL and the Betriebsrentengesetz (BetrAVG). The income offset for the survivor's pension is governed by the regulations of the Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB IV, § 18a ff. and SGB VI, § 97). Our expert tip: Pay attention to the specific regulations regarding income offset, as there are often ambiguities. Not every income is fully accounted for. Upon remarriage, the entitlement to the widow's pension ends, but a settlement of pension payments equivalent to twenty-four months' pensions can be applied for. Special regulations apply to civil servants regarding the death grant, which can often be twice the last gross salary. The payout of a risk life insurance occurs independently.
Practical examples and recommendations for those affected
Imagine your spouse, employed for fifteen years by a municipality and insured with VBL, passes away at sixty years old. You are fifty-eight years old and have your own income of 1,500 euros gross. You would be entitled to the large VBL widow's pension, as you have not yet reached the required age, but the marriage lasted long enough and your partner met the waiting period. Your income would be partially taken into account, after deducting the allowance currently over 990 euros. The VBL will provide an exact calculation. Recommendation: Gather all documents early and seek assistance directly from the VBL or a specialised advisor if there are any ambiguities. Also clarify whether there was a term life insurance policy. The preparations for a death can be relieving.
Future Security and Advice through nextsure
More useful links
The Deutsche Rentenversicherung provides comprehensive information on survivors' pensions.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) offers information on statutory survivors' pensions.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes statistical reports on deaths and life expectancy.
The dbb beamtenbund and tarifunion provides information on death benefits for civil servants.
The Consumer Advice Centre gives a critical overview of funeral insurance policies.
FAQ
What is the difference between small and large widow's pensions at the VBL?
The large widow's pension (55 percent of the deceased's VBL pension) is paid when the widow/widower has reached a certain age (e.g. 47 years, increasing), is disabled, or is raising a child. If these conditions do not apply, there is a small widow's pension (25 percent) for a maximum of 24 months (exceptions apply if the marriage was before 2002 and one partner was born before 1962).
Is my own income taken into account for the VBL widow's pension?
Yes, personal earnings or substitute income are offset against the VBL widow's pension at 40 percent above an exemption amount (e.g., €992.64 from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).
How long does it take to process an application for a VBL widow's pension?
The processing time may vary. It's advisable to submit the application as early and thoroughly as possible. The VBL also requires data from the statutory pension insurance, which can take some time.
What happens to my entitlement to 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 amounting to 24 average monthly pensions.
My late partner was a civil servant and was insured beyond just VBL. Are there any specifics regarding the death benefit?
Yes, there are specific regulations for funeral allowance for civil servants. It is often twice the amount of the last salary or pension that they received, and is paid to primary beneficiaries (spouse, children). This is not related to the VBL.
Where can I find the application forms for the VBL widow's pension?
The current application forms (such as L601A for widows/widowers) as well as completion aids and information brochures are provided by the VBL on its official website in the section for pensioners and survivors.
