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Old-age pension for people with severe disabilities: retiring earlier

People with severe disabilities can retire earlier than other insured persons. This special old-age pension is tied to a recognized degree of disability and qualifying periods. Depending on the year of birth, it is possible deduction-free at a certain age.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The old-age pension for people with severe disabilities requires a recognized degree of disability of at least 50 and fulfillment of the 35-year qualifying period (§ 37 SGB VI). It can start earlier than the standard old-age pension.
At the respective age limit, the pension is deduction-free. An even earlier start is possible, but then with permanent deductions. The exact age limits depend on the year of birth.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Secure the severe disability

    Make sure a degree of disability of at least 50 is recognized.

  2. 2

    2. Check the qualifying period

    Clarify whether the 35-year qualifying period is fulfilled.

  3. 3

    3. Clarify the age limits

    Determine your deduction-free and earliest possible age limit.

  4. 4

    4. Submit the application

    Submit the pension application in good time before the desired start.

How to spot the scam

  • The severe disability expires before the pension starts.
  • An early pension start is chosen without regard to the deductions.
  • The qualifying period is not fully met.

Frequently asked questions

When can I retire as a severely disabled person?

With a recognized degree of disability of at least 50 and 35 years of qualifying period, you can draw the old-age pension for people with severe disabilities early (§ 37 SGB VI). The deduction-free and the earliest possible age limit depend on your year of birth.

Is this pension deduction-free?

At the respective deduction-free age limit, yes. If you retire even earlier, permanent deductions have to be accepted (usually 0.3 percent per month of the earlier start, capped at a maximum value). The pension then remains reduced for life.

What happens if the disability lapses?

What matters is that the severe disability exists at the start of the pension. If the degree of disability falls below 50 beforehand, the entitlement to this special old-age pension can lapse. So watch the validity of your severely disabled person's ID and any reassessments.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.