Working alongside the pension: additional earnings with old-age and reduced-earning-capacity pensions

Whether you may work alongside the pension depends on the type of pension. For the old-age pension there has for some years no longer been an additional-earnings limit, so you may earn extra without limit. For the reduced-earning-capacity pension, on the other hand, limits continue to apply that you should know.

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For the old-age pension there has been no additional-earnings limit since 2023, so you can work without limit alongside the full old-age pension without the pension being reduced.

For the reduced-earning-capacity pension, additional-earnings limits continue to exist. Those who exceed them risk a reduction; what matters is whether full or partial reduction of earning capacity exists.

What you should do now

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1. Determine the type of pension
Clarify whether you draw an old-age pension or a reduced-earning-capacity pension; the limits depend on this.
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2. Check the limits (EM pension)
For a reduced-earning-capacity pension, ask about the current additional-earnings limit and keep your planned earnings below it.
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3. Report earnings
Inform the pension insurer of relevant activities and earnings to avoid reclaims.
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4. Consider tax/social contributions
Even without a pension reduction, taxes and contributions can arise. Factor in the net effect.

How to spot the scam

With the EM pension you unnoticed exceed the additional-earnings limit.
You do not report an activity and a reclaim occurs.
You confuse the old-age pension and the reduced-earning-capacity pension regarding the limits.

Frequently asked questions

May I work without limit alongside the old-age pension?

Yes. For the old-age pension there has been no additional-earnings limit since 2023. You can earn as much as you like alongside the full old-age pension without the pension being reduced for it.

Does this also apply to the reduced-earning-capacity pension?

No. For the reduced-earning-capacity pension, additional-earnings limits continue to exist. If you exceed them, the pension can be reduced. The exact limit depends on whether full or partial reduction of earning capacity exists.

Do I have to report the additional earnings?

For the reduced-earning-capacity pension you should inform the pension insurer of the activity and earnings to avoid reclaims. For the old-age pension, additional earnings are harmless to the pension amount.

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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.