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Apply for standard retirement pension

Service Description

You may be entitled to a standard retirement pension after reaching the so-called standard retirement age:

  • If you were born before 1947, the standard retirement age was 65.
  • If you were born between 1947 and 1963, the standard retirement age is raised in stages.
  • If you were born in 1964 or later, it is 67.

You can only claim the standard old-age pension if you have been insured for a certain period. This minimum insurance period is called the waiting period. The waiting period for the standard old-age pension is 5 years.

The following are taken into account for the waiting period:

  • Contribution periods, for example:
    • Contributions from employment or self-employment.
    • Under certain conditions, months in which you received sick pay or unemployment benefit also count,
    • months between January 2005 and December 2010 in which you received unemployment benefit II or transitional benefits.
    • Voluntary contributions that you paid on your own.
    • Child-raising periods for the first 2.5 or 3 years of life.
    • Months of non-gainful domestic care.
    • Contributions from mini-jobs that you paid together with your employer.
  • Substitute periods: for example, months of political persecution in the GDR.
  • In the event of divorce: Creditable months from a pension equalization.
  • Creditable months from pension splitting between spouses or registered partners.
  • Creditable months for insurance-free mini-jobs.

You cannot receive a standard old-age pension early, even with deductions.

If you receive a standard old-age pension, you can earn an unlimited amount of additional income. Nothing will be deducted from your pension.

Process flow

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

Online application:

  • On the website of the German Pension Insurance (DRV) under "Online Services" you will find detailed information on the process.
  • If you follow the link "Submit application", you will be guided through the further steps and can select the desired application.
  • Alternatively, you can use the online services with registration. For example, you can see right away 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 institution will review your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

In-person application:

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

Written application:

  • Go to the DRV's website.
  • Download the application form you need.
  • You can also pick up the form in person at the information and advice centers.
  • Fill out the application form, sign it and attach the required documents.
  • Send all documents
    • by mail to your pension insurance institution or
    • hand them in at one of the local advice centers.
  • The responsible pension insurance institution will review your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

A person you trust can also submit your pension application on your behalf. For this purpose, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance company. 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 be done online. Either use the electronic mailbox under online services with registration or De-Mail.

Requirements

You have

  • reached the standard retirement age,
  • fulfilled the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 5 years and
  • submitted the application.

Which documents are required?

  • Application for standard retirement pension
  • Personal document (such as identity card, passport, birth certificate or family record book).

Unless original documents or certified copies are specifically required, regular copies will suffice.

What are the fees?

There are no costs for you.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

If possible, you should submit the application already 3 months before the desired pension start date.

Processing duration

Processing Time: 0 - 3 Months
Processing usually takes up to 3 months.

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Objection.

Detailed information can be found in the decision on your pension application.

  • Action before the Social Court.

Detailed information can be found in the notice of appeal.

Appeal

Forms available: Yes
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible: No
Personal appearance required: No

Online services available: Yes

Author

German pension insurance

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content per DeepL.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS)

Professionally released on

13.07.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

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