Widow(er) pension (Witwenpension)
What
It’s a benefit which guarantees a social security for the surviving spouse, if there has been a certified marriage or registered partners before.
Who
A widow(er) can be beneficiary of a pension if:
- The spouse had pension insurance.
- The spouse was insured a minimum period, depending on his age.
- At least 15 years of a statutory insurance or voluntary insurance
- At least 25 years of pension insurance
- If the spouse was already getting a pension, the previous requirements are considered fulfilled.
- If the spouse died before the 50th birthday, the widow(er) can get a pension if the deceased spouse had insurance during 60 months in the 10 years before his death.
- If the spouse died after his/her 50th birthday, an extra month of insurance is needed up to a minimum of 180 month in the last 30 years.
How
To apply for widow(er) pension, you have to hand in an application form along with proof of income of the deceased and proof of income of the widow(er). Application form (in German): www.pensionsversicherung.at/cdscontent/load?contentid=10008.577934&version=1407222115
When
You have to apply for the pension during the next 6 months following the death of your spouse.
Good to know
The pension is generally calculated on the basis of the average gross income of the last two years.
Where
You have to apply to the insurance company where the deceased spouse was insured the last 15 years. Information on the different social security insurance (in German): www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/behoerden/Seite.000700.html