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Apply for voluntary insurance in the statutory pension insurance scheme

Service Description

With voluntary pension contributions you can

  • acquire a pension entitlement,
  • increase your pension entitlement,
  • increase your survivors' pension.

You can also maintain an existing entitlement to a reduced earning capacity pension in this way if you

    • had already reached the qualifying period of 5 years on 31.12.1983,
    • have completed a pensionable period every month since January 1984 and
    • are now paying voluntary contributions without interruption.

You can pay 1 to 12 monthly contributions per calendar year. You are free to choose the amount within a fixed range between minimum and maximum contributions. You can change the contribution amount for the future at any time, stop paying and then start paying again later. Your pension insurance provider will issue you with a certificate of the voluntary contributions you paid in the previous year.

If you need insurance periods to qualify for a pension, the number of voluntary contributions is important. If you want to increase your pension, the amount of voluntary contributions is important.

Voluntary insurance is no longer permitted,

  • as soon as your full old-age pension has been approved and
  • the month in which you reached the standard retirement age has expired.

However, if you only receive a partial old-age pension, you can continue to pay voluntary contributions.

Process flow

You can submit your application online, in person or in writing.

Online application:

  • Please use the direct link contained in the "Welcome letter" or go to the German Pension Insurance website.
  • You will find detailed information on the process 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 with registration. For example, you can immediately see which insurance periods have already been recorded. You also save time and do not have to re-enter data you already know.
  • Complete the application in full and upload the required documents.
  • Submit your application online.
  • You will receive a confirmation of submission.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive notification of your application.

Personal application:

  • Compile the necessary documents for your application and make an appointment with the DRV.
  • When making an appointment online, your personal details and, if possible, your insurance number will be required.
  • You can select a desired advice center and your preferred date. Depending on the availability of free appointments, you will receive a proposal for a binding consultation appointment.
  • During your personal consultation, your application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the relevant pension insurance provider.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

Written application:

  • Go to the DRV website.
  • Download the required application form.
  • You can also collect the form in person from the information and advice centers.
  • Complete the application form, sign it and enclose the required documents.
  • Send all documents
    • by post to your pension insurance provider or
    • hand them in at one of the local advice centers.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

A person you trust can also submit your application on your behalf. Please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance fund for this purpose. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance company will only contact 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.

Requirements

You can pay voluntary pension insurance contributions if you

  • have reached the age of 16 and
  • are not subject to compulsory insurance in the statutory pension insurance scheme.

This applies to anyone who is resident or ordinarily resident in Germany. The requirements also apply to Germans who have their habitual residence abroad.

Which documents are required?

  • You do not need to submit any documents.

What are the fees?

There are no costs for you.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • Voluntary contributions must be paid by March 31 of the following year - in relation to the period for which they are to apply.
  • If 31.03. falls on a Sunday or German public holiday or on a Saturday, the payment period ends at the end of the next working day.
  • It should be noted that the contribution values for contribution payments in the period from 01.01. to 31.03. for the previous year may change.

Processing duration

Processing usually takes 1 month.

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Contradiction.
    Detailed information can be found in the notification of admission or rejection to voluntary insurance.
  • Legal action before the social court.
    Detailed information can be found in the notice of objection.

Appeal

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: Yes

Further Information

Author

Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

German Pension Insurance

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS)

Professionally released on

28.08.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

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Auskunfts- und Beratungsstellenfinder der Deutschen Rentenversicherung

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