With the pension for people with severe disabilities, you can receive an old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age, either without any reduction or with a reduction of up to 10.8 percent.

If you were born between 1952 and 1963, the retirement age for a pension without a reduction is being gradually raised from 63 to 65.

If you were born in 1964 or later, the retirement age is 65. However, you can also claim the old-age pension for severely disabled people early—at the earliest 3 years before reaching the retirement age for a full old-age pension for severely disabled people. In that case, however, you will receive a reduction of up to 10.8 percent.

Special case: "Protection of legitimate expectations":

If you

• were born before January 1, 1964,
• were severely disabled on January 1, 2007, and
• received adjustment benefits for laid-off mining workers,

you may, on the grounds of protection of legitimate expectations, continue to retire at age 63 without any reductions under the old-age pension scheme for severely disabled persons. With a 10.8 percent reduction, you may then claim the pension early as early as age 60.

Note: The pension entitlement remains valid even if the severe disability is no longer recognized while you are receiving the pension.

You are:

• severely disabled at the start of your pension,
• have completed the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 35 years, and
• have reached the applicable age.

• Persons with severe disabilities are all individuals with a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50 (maximum possible GdB: 100).
• Your severe disability is documented by a severe disability ID card or notification. You must apply for this documentation from the Pension Office and have it available when your pension begins.
• The 35-year waiting period includes:
  • Contribution periods
  • Substitute periods
  • Credited periods
  • Periods of credit for child-rearing and periods of credit for caregiving
  • Waiting period months from pension rights equalization or pension splitting
  • Waiting period months from adjustments to earnings points for remuneration from minor employment exempt from insurance 
  • Waiting period months resulting from adjustments to earnings points for remuneration from marginal employment for which employees are exempt from the obligation to be insured.

You can submit your application online, in person, or by mail.

Online application:

• On the German Pension Insurance (DRV) website under “Online Services,” you will find detailed information about the process. 
• If you follow the “Submit Application” link, you will be guided through the remaining steps and can select the desired application.
• Alternatively, you can use the online services after registering. This allows you, for example, to immediately see which insurance periods have already been recorded. You also save time and do not have to re-enter data you already know.
• Fill out the application completely and upload the required documents.
• Submit your application online.
• You will receive a confirmation of submission.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application.
• You will receive a decision regarding your application.

In-person application:

• Gather the necessary documents for your application and schedule an appointment with the DRV. 
• When scheduling an appointment online, you will need to provide your personal information and, if possible, your insurance number. 
• You can select your preferred office and your desired appointment date. Depending on the availability of open slots, you will receive a proposal for a confirmed consultation appointment.
• During your in-person consultation, your application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the responsible pension insurance provider.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application. 
• You will receive a decision regarding your application.

Written application:

• Go to the DRV website.
• Download the desired application form. 
• You can also pick up the form in person at the information and counseling centers.
• Fill out the application form, sign it, and attach the required documents.
• Send all documents 
  • by mail to your pension insurance provider or
  • submit them in person at one of the local counseling centers.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application. 
• You will receive a decision regarding your application.

A person you trust can also submit your pension application on your behalf. To do so, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance agency. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance agency will communicate exclusively with the person you have authorized.

If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can take place online. You can either use the electronic mailbox under the online services with registration or De-Mail.

• Objection. 

You can find detailed information in the decision regarding your pension application.

• Lawsuit before the Social Court. 

You can find detailed information in the notice of appeal.

• Application deadline: 3 months If possible
  , you should submit your application 3 months before the desired start date of your pension.

• Pension Application for People with Severe Disabilities
• Identification document (such as an ID card, passport, birth certificate, or family register)
• Disability ID card or notification

There are no costs involved.

Forms available: Yes
Written form required: Yes
Informal applications accepted: No
In-person appearance required: No

Online services available: Yes