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Teacher couple criticize outdated widow's benefit regulations
Read why late marriage can have a negative impact on widow's benefits. Find out more about the current regulations and calls for reform.
Teacher couple criticize outdated widow's benefit regulations
A teacher couple from the Kassel region, Klaus Michel (79) and Ursula Olbert (69), have criticized the current regulations on widow's benefits. Due to her late marriage nine years ago, Ursula Olbert will not receive any pension, as the Hessian Civil Service Pension Act stipulates that widow's benefit is only granted if the marriage was concluded before retirement and the standard retirement age of 65. Since Klaus Michel was already 70 years old when he married, his wife is not subject to the law.
Klaus Michel describes the legal situation as outdated and emphasizes that the classic provision marriage, which the law is aimed at, can hardly be found today. He points out that the motivation for late marriage is usually not financial, but based on love. Michel makes it clear that the regulation will not put them in financial distress and that they are well protected, but he still sees a need for a change in the law that could help other people affected.
A similar case in Kassel also concerns Monika Diegler, whose husband was already over the age limit when they married. Instead of a regular widow's allowance, she only receives a maintenance contribution of 150 euros as “hardship compensation”. The amount of the maintenance contribution is strongly influenced by income from work and replacement income, which means that Diegler receives a reduced contribution due to her disability pension of 1,250 euros per month.
The people affected hope that the laws will be adjusted in order to avoid such hardship cases. Monika Diegler had already sent a petition to the Hessian state parliament in 2023 to draw attention to her situation. Klaus Michel plans to support Diegler in their efforts and shows his optimism by jokingly mentioning that he plans to live as long as possible in order to avoid the need for benefits.
The Kassel regional council, responsible for processing widow's benefit applications, refers to politics and emphasizes that the application of the applicable laws to specific cases is their task. The pension authority is not responsible for making a direct change or assessment.