In the context of an inheritance, the surviving spouse can, under certain conditions, request alimony from the heirs. To benefit from this system, you must “being in need at the time of death” And “provide proof of your financial situation”, explains the French administration website. Please note, this pension cannot be claimed if the financial need arose after death.
The pension is taken from the estate and is due “by all heirs apart from their personal property”. Its amount can be revised upwards or downwards depending on the evolution of your income. It can even be removed if it is proven that you are no longer in need.
A one-year deadline to claim a pension from heirs
You have one year from the date of your spouse’s death to request this alimony from the heirs. “In the event of joint ownership with the heirs, the period extends until the assets of the estate are shared”indicates the official website.
If the heirs refuse to pay you this alimony, you can refer the matter to the court which will decide whether or not to grant you alimony and set its amount. If the heirs stop paying you the pension, you have one year to request a resumption of payment.
