Survivor Pensions: 2026 Brings New Age Threshold, Updated Allowances—and Persistent Errors in Notices

Overview

• For deaths in 2026, the qualifying age for the large widow(er)’s pension rises to 46 years and six months under § 242a SGB VI, with 47 years due in 2029.
• The monthly exemption tied to the pension value is €1,076.86 from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, increases again on 1 July 2026, and adds €228.42 per eligible child in that period.
• Income above the exemption is partially credited: net income is derived with flat deductions of 15% on pensions, 40% on wages and 25% on rental income, then 40% of the excess reduces the survivor benefit; needs‑based benefits and Riester/Rürup payouts are excluded.
• A supplement for existing disability pensions integrated into ongoing payments from December 2025 counts as pension income for 2026 and can newly trigger or increase income crediting, with individual notices to follow.
• Benefit letters are frequently too low due to errors such as outdated exemptions, misapplied ‘Sterbevierteljahr’, missing child supplements, wrong old/new‑law classification or excessive treatment of occupational pensions; recipients should file a written objection within one month and, if needed, sue cost‑free at the Social Court for back payments.