(2025) What is the bereavement allowance?

Widows, widowers, orphans, and half-orphans can apply for a bereavement allowance of 370 Euro. Ongoing bereavement payments must have been granted to them.

The payments must be made either on the basis of the Federal Pensions Act or another law that declares the provisions of the Federal Pensions Act on bereavement payments applicable. Alternatively, they can be made under the regulations of statutory accident insurance, civil service law in the event of death due to a service accident, or the Federal Compensation Act for damage to life, body, or health.

Please note: An orphan receives the bereavement allowance only once, even if both parents are deceased. If there are several bereaved persons of the same individual (e.g. widow and half-orphan), each bereaved person is entitled to the allowance.