With the pension for particularly long-term insured persons, you can receive a full old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age.
If you were born before December 31, 1952, you can claim the early retirement pension without deductions from the age of 63.
For those born between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1963, the age limit will be gradually raised to 65.
Those born on or after January 1, 1964, can receive an early retirement
pension without deductions from the age of 65.
- You meet the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 45 years and
- you have reached the relevant age for you.
The following count toward the 45-year waiting period:
- Mandatory contributions for employment or self-employment,
- contributions for mini-jobs that were paid jointly with the employer. Contributions for mini-jobs that were paid by the employer alone are only taken into account on a pro rata basis,
- mandatory contributions and periods of consideration for raising a child up to their 10th birthday,
- Periods of non-remunerated care, compulsory military and civilian service,
- Mandatory contributions or credited periods due to the receipt of social benefits (e.g., sick pay). Social benefits from the Employment Agency in the last 2 years before the start of the pension are only taken into account if you received the benefit due to the employer's insolvency or complete cessation of business.
- Substitute periods: for example, months of political persecution in the GDR
- Voluntary contributions are only counted if at least 18 years of compulsory contributions are available.
You can submit your application online, in person, or in writing.
Online application:
- You will find detailed information on the procedure on the German Pension Insurance (DRV) website under "Online Services."
- If you follow the "Submit application" link, you will be guided through the next steps and can select the desired application.
- Alternatively, you can use the online services by registering. This allows you to see, for example, which insurance periods have already been recorded. It also saves you time and means you don't have to re-enter data that is already known.
- Fill out the application completely online 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 on your application.
Personal application:
- Gather the necessary documents for your application and make an appointment with the DRV by telephone.
- During your personal appointment, 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 notification 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 advice centers.
- Fill out the application form, sign it, and attach the required documents.
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Send all documents
- by mail to your pension insurance provider or
- hand them in at one of the local advice centers.
- The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application.
- You will receive a decision on 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 provider. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance provider will only contact the person you have authorized.
If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can be conducted online. You can either use the electronic mailbox under the online services with registration or De-Mail.
You must be present in person when applying at the registry office. You will need to make an appointment for this.
The appointment will take place within 14 days.
Duration of the appointment: approx. 60 to 90 minutes
Section 38 of the Social Security Code, Book Six (SGB VI)
Section 16 of the Social Security Code, Book One (SGB I)
If possible, you should submit your application three months before the desired start date of your pension.
Processing usually takes up to 3 months.
