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Basic pension: supplement for long-term insurance

The basic pension is not an independent pension entitlement but a supplement to the pension for people with many insurance years and below-average earnings. It is reviewed automatically: a separate application is not needed.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The basic pension supplement requires at least 33 years of basic pension periods; the full supplement is available from 35 years (§ 76g SGB VI). Employment, child-raising, and care, for example, are taken into account.
The supplement is reviewed automatically by the pension insurance and an income test takes place. You do not have to submit a separate application for it; if in doubt, you can have the notice checked.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the periods

    Check whether you reach 33 to 35 years of basic pension periods.

  2. 2

    2. Wait for the notice

    The pension insurance reviews the supplement automatically and communicates the result.

  3. 3

    3. Consider income

    Take into account the income test, which affects the amount.

  4. 4

    4. Check the notice

    If in doubt about periods or the calculation, you can file an objection.

How to spot the scam

  • Insurance periods are incompletely recorded in the account.
  • The notice is not checked for the basic pension periods.
  • The objection deadline is missed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply for the basic pension?

No. The basic pension supplement is reviewed automatically by the German pension insurance and, if there is an entitlement, added to the pension. A separate application is not required. An income test does, however, take place.

Which requirements apply?

You need at least 33 years of basic pension periods; the full supplement is available from 35 years (§ 76g SGB VI). Basic pension periods include, among others, compulsory contributions from employment, child-raising, and care. In addition, the earnings must have been below average over the years.

What if my periods are incompletely recorded?

Then the supplement can turn out too low or lapse entirely. Have your pension account clarified and missing periods added. Against an incorrect notice, you can file an objection within one month and have the calculation checked.

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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.