Overview
- Since 1 July 2026 the monthly exemption for widow and widower pensions is 1,122.53 euros with an extra 238.11 euros per eligible child and 40% of any excess income is deducted from the pension.
- After applying the new rules average paid widow pension in 2026 falls to about 772 euros per month and typical income deductions reduce payments by roughly 147 euros monthly.
- A remarriage ends the ongoing widow or widower pension at the end of the wedding month and normally triggers a one‑time lump sum equal to 24 monthly amounts, but the exact wedding date can lower that 24‑month factor if months of small pensions were already paid.
- Special rules change the calculation for weddings within the first 15 months after the death and long‑standing 'possession' protections in §269b SGB VI can prevent deduction of earlier small‑pension months for some old cases.
- Recipients should check that pension notices show the monthly amount and the used lump‑sum factor and can file a free written objection within one month if the calculation or shown factor appears wrong.