With the pension for individuals with particularly long insurance coverage, you can receive a full old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age.

If you were born on or before December 31, 1952, you can claim the early old-age pension without any reductions starting at age 63.

For those born between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1963, the retirement age is gradually being raised to 65. 

Those born on or after January 1, 1964, can receive the early old-age pension without a reduction starting at age 65.
 

• You have met the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 45 years and
• you have reached the applicable age.

The 45-year waiting period includes:

• Mandatory contributions for employment or self-employment,
• contributions for mini-jobs paid jointly with the employer. Contributions for mini-jobs paid solely by the employer are only taken into account on a pro-rata basis,
• mandatory contributions and periods of credit for raising a child until the child’s 10th birthday,
• Periods of non-gainful care, military and civilian service,
• Mandatory contributions or credited periods due to the receipt of social benefits (for example, sick pay). Social benefits from the Employment Agency in the last 2 years before the start of your 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 there are at least 18 years of mandatory contributions.

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’ll also save time and won’t have to re-enter information you’ve already provided.
• Complete the application entirely 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 regarding your application.

In-person application:

• Gather the necessary documents for your application and call the DRV to schedule an appointment. 
• During your in-person 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 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.
 

§ 38 Social Code, Book VI (SGB VI)
§ 16 Social Code, Book I (SGB I) 

• 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.

If possible, you should submit your application three months before the desired start date of your pension.

Processing usually takes up to 3 months.

• Pension Application for Individuals with Exceptionally Long Insurance Coverage
• Identification document (such as an ID card, passport, birth certificate, or family register)
   

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