Half-orphan’s pension: How to apply and how it is calculated
As a mother, you can’t imagine anything worse than having your child grow up with just one parent. But so that children who have lost a parent are financially secure, there is the half-orphan’s pension. How is the survivor’s pension calculated and how to apply for it? You can find out here.
What is the half-orphan’s pension?
The half-orphan’s pension is a permanent payment from the statutory social security system, which is paid out to the children of a person entitled to a pension if they die. This survivor’s pension is lower in amount than the full orphan ‘s pension .
Who is entitled to the half-orphan’s pension?
Children, stepchildren and foster children who have lost a parent are entitled to a permanent half-orphan’s pension, which is paid for by social security. However, foster children must have lived with the foster parent for at least one year prior to the death in order to be eligible.
Although the child or children are entitled to the half-orphan’s pension, it is paid to the surviving parent. In addition, you or your partner must have completed the general qualifying period of five years. This entitlement period includes not only the full contribution periods, but also the periods when you were raising children or periods when you were only marginally employed. Exceptions to this apply to those starting their careers, in the event of an accident at work or those doing military or community service.
The half-orphan’s pension is paid retrospectively for a maximum of twelve months before the month of application.
How is the half-orphan’s pension applied for?
The pension must be applied for immediately after the death is known, since the payments are only made retrospectively for one year. You have to submit the application to the relevant pension provider, i.e. either the trade association, the pension insurer or the federal accident insurance fund. You should hurry with submitting the application, because the pension can be paid out retrospectively for a maximum of one year.
How much half-orphan’s pension does the child receive?
The amount of the half-orphan’s pension depends on the pension entitlement that the deceased parent had already acquired. The half-orphan’s pension is best calculated by the responsible pension providers. This includes the pension or accident insurance , as well as the trade association, in which your partner was insured until his death. In some large cities, the pension office will help you with the application.
The calculation is based on 10 percent of the sum insured to which your partner would have been entitled when they reached retirement age.
What is needed for the calculation?
If your partner did not arrange for an account clarification with his statutory pension insurer during his lifetime, you are obliged to provide the relevant evidence of your deceased partner’s income and training , military service and physical limitations.
In order to be able to calculate the half-orphan’s pension, the birth certificates of the dependent children are also required. If there is an entitlement to several pensions, the highest is paid.
How long does the child receive the half-orphan’s pension?
In general, the child will receive the half-orphan’s pension until they reach the age of 18. There are also exceptions to this, which are similar to child benefit . For example, the half-orphan’s pension can continue to be paid on application if the child is still in education, is completing a voluntary ecological or social year or is unable to support himself or herself due to a disability. The half-orphan’s pension is paid up to the age of 27 at most.