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| Total population (m.): | 82.1 |
| GDP per capita (USD): | 34401 |
- حجم الخط
- طباعة
- البريد الإلكتروني
Old Age, Disability and Survivors
Regulatory Framework
First law: 1889 (Law on old age and disability provisions of June 22, RGBl. 1889 S.97/144), implemented on January 1, 1891; and 1911 (Insurance regulation of the German Reich of July 19, RGBl. 1911 S.989, on survivors), implemented in January 1914.
Current law: 2002 (Sixth Book of the Social Act - Obligatory Pension Insurance, on old-age, disability, and survivors), with 2011 amendment.
Type of program: Social insurance system.
Note: The social security systems of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were merged in 1992. Throughout the profile, those particular provisions that are in force in the federal states of the former GDR are preceded by the designation "E" (East).
Current law: 2002 (Sixth Book of the Social Act - Obligatory Pension Insurance, on old-age, disability, and survivors), with 2011 amendment.
Type of program: Social insurance system.
Note: The social security systems of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were merged in 1992. Throughout the profile, those particular provisions that are in force in the federal states of the former GDR are preceded by the designation "E" (East).
Coverage
Employed persons (including apprentices) and certain self-employed persons.
Voluntary coverage for persons aged 16 or older who are exempt from compulsory coverage, including German citizens residing abroad and foreign citizens residing in Germany.
Shorter coverage periods for persons earning €400 or less per month.
Special systems for certain self-employed persons, miners, public-sector employees, civil servants, and farmers.
Voluntary coverage for persons aged 16 or older who are exempt from compulsory coverage, including German citizens residing abroad and foreign citizens residing in Germany.
Shorter coverage periods for persons earning €400 or less per month.
Special systems for certain self-employed persons, miners, public-sector employees, civil servants, and farmers.
Source of funds
Insured person: 9.8% of monthly earnings over €800; a reduced contribution for earnings from €401 to €800; none for earnings less than €400 a month (voluntary contributions can be made).
The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions under Federal German Pension Insurance are in general €67,200 per year (E - €57,600).
Self-employed person: 19.6% of monthly income.
The minimum monthly contribution is €78.40 and the maximum is €1,097.60 (E - €940.80) or a flat-rate amount of €514.50 (E - €439.04), depending on the type of coverage chosen by the self-employed person.
Employer: 9.8% of monthly payroll; 15% of earnings for employees with monthly earnings less than €400.
The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions under Federal German Pension Insurance are €66,000 (E - €55,800).
Government: Finances grants for certain benefits not covered by contributions.
The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions under Federal German Pension Insurance are in general €67,200 per year (E - €57,600).
Self-employed person: 19.6% of monthly income.
The minimum monthly contribution is €78.40 and the maximum is €1,097.60 (E - €940.80) or a flat-rate amount of €514.50 (E - €439.04), depending on the type of coverage chosen by the self-employed person.
Employer: 9.8% of monthly payroll; 15% of earnings for employees with monthly earnings less than €400.
The maximum annual earnings used to calculate contributions under Federal German Pension Insurance are €66,000 (E - €55,800).
Government: Finances grants for certain benefits not covered by contributions.
Qualifying conditions
Old-age pension: Age 65 and 1 month with at least five years of contributions. The normal pensionable age is rising gradually to age 67 by one month each year until 2024 and by 2 months until 2029. The pensionable age for those born after 1964 is 67. A special length of service pension is paid at age 65 with 45 years of contributions.
Age 65, with at least a 50% assessed degree of disability and 35 years of coverage. For insured persons born before 1952, age 65 with at least 15 years of contributions and unemployed for at least 52 weeks after age 58 and six months; with at least 15 years of contributions for employees who work part time for at least 24 months before the normal retirement age; women with at least 10 years of contributions after age 40.
Earnings test: The pension depends on the level of additional individual earnings: if monthly earnings are less than €400, the full pension is paid; if earnings are greater than €400, a partial pension is paid at 33.3%, 50%, or 66.7% of the full pension, depending on earnings.
Early pension: Age 63 with at least 35 years of coverage, subject to conditions.
Compensation amount for low-income workers: Workers with at least 35 years of coverage with less than 0.0625 earning points (equal to 75% of the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured).
Deferred old-age pension: The pension may be deferred after the normal retirement age up to age 70.
Disability pension: Paid for a full loss of working capacity, unable to work more than three hours a day in any form of work. The insured must have at least five years of contributions and 36 months of compulsory contributions in the last five years. Special conditions apply for a reduction in earning capacity that is the result of a work injury.
Partial disability pension: Able to work at least three hours but not more than six hours a day in any form of work; for insured persons born before January 2, 1961, unable to work at least six hours a day in the usual or a similar occupation.
Survivor pension (income tested): The deceased had at least five years of contributions or was a pensioner at the time of death.
Small widow(er) pension: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner for up to 24 months following the month of the insured's death. The survivor must not have remarried or entered a new civil partnership after the insured's death.
Large widow(er) pension: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner who meets the qualifying conditions for the small widow(er) pension and is aged 45 or older (rising gradually to age 47 by 2029), cares for a child younger than age 18, or has a disability.
Orphan's pension: Paid until the orphan reaches age 27; after age 18 the pension is income tested and the orphan must be a student, in training, taking part in a voluntary social or ecological year, or have a disability.
Child's supplement: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner receiving the large widow(er) pension and raising a child younger than age 3. The supplement is not paid if the spouse died before 2002, or if the marriage took place before that date and at least one spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962.
Old-age pension splitting: Spouses or civil partners who are eligible for the statutory old-age pension and have 25 years of coverage can split their pensions instead of receiving a survivor benefit. The marriage or partnership must have begun after 2001; before 2002 if both spouses or civil partners were born after January 1, 1962.
Age 65, with at least a 50% assessed degree of disability and 35 years of coverage. For insured persons born before 1952, age 65 with at least 15 years of contributions and unemployed for at least 52 weeks after age 58 and six months; with at least 15 years of contributions for employees who work part time for at least 24 months before the normal retirement age; women with at least 10 years of contributions after age 40.
Earnings test: The pension depends on the level of additional individual earnings: if monthly earnings are less than €400, the full pension is paid; if earnings are greater than €400, a partial pension is paid at 33.3%, 50%, or 66.7% of the full pension, depending on earnings.
Early pension: Age 63 with at least 35 years of coverage, subject to conditions.
Compensation amount for low-income workers: Workers with at least 35 years of coverage with less than 0.0625 earning points (equal to 75% of the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured).
Deferred old-age pension: The pension may be deferred after the normal retirement age up to age 70.
Disability pension: Paid for a full loss of working capacity, unable to work more than three hours a day in any form of work. The insured must have at least five years of contributions and 36 months of compulsory contributions in the last five years. Special conditions apply for a reduction in earning capacity that is the result of a work injury.
Partial disability pension: Able to work at least three hours but not more than six hours a day in any form of work; for insured persons born before January 2, 1961, unable to work at least six hours a day in the usual or a similar occupation.
Survivor pension (income tested): The deceased had at least five years of contributions or was a pensioner at the time of death.
Small widow(er) pension: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner for up to 24 months following the month of the insured's death. The survivor must not have remarried or entered a new civil partnership after the insured's death.
Large widow(er) pension: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner who meets the qualifying conditions for the small widow(er) pension and is aged 45 or older (rising gradually to age 47 by 2029), cares for a child younger than age 18, or has a disability.
Orphan's pension: Paid until the orphan reaches age 27; after age 18 the pension is income tested and the orphan must be a student, in training, taking part in a voluntary social or ecological year, or have a disability.
Child's supplement: Paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner receiving the large widow(er) pension and raising a child younger than age 3. The supplement is not paid if the spouse died before 2002, or if the marriage took place before that date and at least one spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962.
Old-age pension splitting: Spouses or civil partners who are eligible for the statutory old-age pension and have 25 years of coverage can split their pensions instead of receiving a survivor benefit. The marriage or partnership must have begun after 2001; before 2002 if both spouses or civil partners were born after January 1, 1962.
Cash benefits for insured workers (except permanent disability)
Old-age pension: The pension is based on total individual earnings points multiplied by the pension factor and the pension value.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual lifetime earnings divided by the average national earnings multiplied by the normal entry factor. An individual earnings point of 1.0 is awarded if the individual's annual earnings correspond to the average national earnings. In the case of lower or greater individual annual earnings, a corresponding earnings point of less than or more than 1.0 is awarded.
The normal entry factor is 1.0 and increases or decreases depending on the age at which the insured is first awarded a pension.
The pension factor for the old-age pension is 1.0.
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €27.47 (E - €24.37).
There is no statutory minimum pension.
Compensation amount for low-income workers: The value of contributions paid before 1991 is increased to 1.5 times the value, up to 75% of the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured persons (0.0625 earning points).
For persons with at least 25 years of coverage, the value of contributions paid after 1992 while caring for a child younger than age 10 is increased to 1.5 times the value, up to the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured persons.
Early pension: The entry factor (1.0) is reduced by 0.003 for each calendar month the pension is taken before age 65 (rising to age 67 by 2029).
Deferred pension: The entry factor (1.0) is increased by 0.005 for each calendar month the pension is deferred after age 65.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual lifetime earnings divided by the average national earnings multiplied by the normal entry factor. An individual earnings point of 1.0 is awarded if the individual's annual earnings correspond to the average national earnings. In the case of lower or greater individual annual earnings, a corresponding earnings point of less than or more than 1.0 is awarded.
The normal entry factor is 1.0 and increases or decreases depending on the age at which the insured is first awarded a pension.
The pension factor for the old-age pension is 1.0.
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €27.47 (E - €24.37).
There is no statutory minimum pension.
Compensation amount for low-income workers: The value of contributions paid before 1991 is increased to 1.5 times the value, up to 75% of the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured persons (0.0625 earning points).
For persons with at least 25 years of coverage, the value of contributions paid after 1992 while caring for a child younger than age 10 is increased to 1.5 times the value, up to the value of contributions for average earnings of all insured persons.
Early pension: The entry factor (1.0) is reduced by 0.003 for each calendar month the pension is taken before age 65 (rising to age 67 by 2029).
Deferred pension: The entry factor (1.0) is increased by 0.005 for each calendar month the pension is deferred after age 65.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Permanent disability benefits for insured workers
Disability pension: The pension is the total individual earnings points multiplied by the pension factor and the pension value.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual annual earnings divided by the average earnings of all contributors multiplied by the entry factor.
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €26.27 (E - €23.09).
If the disability began before age 60, the period from the date of the reduction in earning capacity up to age 60 is taken fully into account for the purpose of calculating the pension.
The normal entry factor (1.0) is reduced by 0.003 for every calendar month a pension is awarded before age 63, up to a maximum reduction of 0.108.
The pension factor is 1.0 for a full reduction in earning capacity and 0.5 for a partial reduction.
The disability pension ceases at age 65 and is replaced by the old-age pension. (Rising gradually to 67 by 2029). The old-age pension paid must be at least equal to the disability pension.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual annual earnings divided by the average earnings of all contributors multiplied by the entry factor.
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €26.27 (E - €23.09).
If the disability began before age 60, the period from the date of the reduction in earning capacity up to age 60 is taken fully into account for the purpose of calculating the pension.
The normal entry factor (1.0) is reduced by 0.003 for every calendar month a pension is awarded before age 63, up to a maximum reduction of 0.108.
The pension factor is 1.0 for a full reduction in earning capacity and 0.5 for a partial reduction.
The disability pension ceases at age 65 and is replaced by the old-age pension. (Rising gradually to 67 by 2029). The old-age pension paid must be at least equal to the disability pension.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Survivors benefits for dependents
Survivor pension: The pension paid to a widow(er) or surviving civil partner is based on the total of the deceased's individual earnings points multiplied by the pension factor and the pension value.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual annual earnings divided by the average earnings of all contributors multiplied by the entry factor.
The pension factor is 1.0 for the first three months after the insured's death; thereafter, 0.25 if the survivor is receiving the small widow(er) pension or 0.55 if receiving the large widow(er) pension and if both spouses or civil partners were born after January 1, 1962, or if the marriage or civil partnership began after 2001 (0.6 if the marriage or civil partnership began before 2002 and one spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962).
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €26.27 (E - €23.09).
The small widow(er) pension is paid for two years; paid for an unlimited duration if the marriage or civil partnership began before 2002, lasted for more than one year and the surviving spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962.
The large widow(er) pension: Paid for an unlimited duration. Ceases upon remarriage.
Special rules apply for spouses divorced before July 1, 1977.
The benefit is reduced by 40% of the survivors net income above €718.08 (E - €637.03) from the fourth month of payment.
Old-age pension splitting: The pension of the surviving spouse or civil partner is calculated by splitting the pension rights accrued by both members of the couple during their marriage or civil partnership. The survivor pension is not paid.
Child's supplement: Additional earnings points are awarded for the large widow(er) pension if the spouse or civil partner had cared for children. Two earnings points are awarded each month for the first child; one earnings point for each additional child.
Orphan's pension: The pension factor is 0.1 for a half orphan and 0.2 for a full orphan. Supplements are paid depending on the length of the insured's coverage period and other factors. The pension is paid in full until the orphan reaches age 18; thereafter, if the orphan's net income is above €478.72 (E - €424.69), the pension is reduced by 40% of the orphan's net income above this limit.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Individual earnings points are calculated as individual annual earnings divided by the average earnings of all contributors multiplied by the entry factor.
The pension factor is 1.0 for the first three months after the insured's death; thereafter, 0.25 if the survivor is receiving the small widow(er) pension or 0.55 if receiving the large widow(er) pension and if both spouses or civil partners were born after January 1, 1962, or if the marriage or civil partnership began after 2001 (0.6 if the marriage or civil partnership began before 2002 and one spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962).
The pension value is calculated as the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in wages. The pension value is €26.27 (E - €23.09).
The small widow(er) pension is paid for two years; paid for an unlimited duration if the marriage or civil partnership began before 2002, lasted for more than one year and the surviving spouse or civil partner was born before January 2, 1962.
The large widow(er) pension: Paid for an unlimited duration. Ceases upon remarriage.
Special rules apply for spouses divorced before July 1, 1977.
The benefit is reduced by 40% of the survivors net income above €718.08 (E - €637.03) from the fourth month of payment.
Old-age pension splitting: The pension of the surviving spouse or civil partner is calculated by splitting the pension rights accrued by both members of the couple during their marriage or civil partnership. The survivor pension is not paid.
Child's supplement: Additional earnings points are awarded for the large widow(er) pension if the spouse or civil partner had cared for children. Two earnings points are awarded each month for the first child; one earnings point for each additional child.
Orphan's pension: The pension factor is 0.1 for a half orphan and 0.2 for a full orphan. Supplements are paid depending on the length of the insured's coverage period and other factors. The pension is paid in full until the orphan reaches age 18; thereafter, if the orphan's net income is above €478.72 (E - €424.69), the pension is reduced by 40% of the orphan's net income above this limit.
Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July according to changes in the pension value; absolute decreases in pension benefits are not permitted. The adjustment formula also takes into account changes in the ratio between the number of pensioners and contributors.
Administrative organization
Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (http://www.bmas.bund.de) provides general supervision. Federal Insurance Institute (http://www.bva.de) supervises the administrative functions of the German Pension Insurance.
Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy
Mohrenstr. 62,
DE-10117 Berlin,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 1888 527 0
Fax: +(49) 1888 527 1830
Federal German Pension Insurance (http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-bund.de), regional agencies of the German Pension Insurance, and the German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen (http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-knappschaft-bahn-see.de) administer the program.
Federal German Pension Insurance
Ruhrstraße 2,
DE-10709 Berlin,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 30 865 1
Fax: +(49) 30 865 27240
German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen
Pieperstraße 14 - 28,
DE-44789 Bochum,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 234 304 0
Fax: +(49) 234 304 53050
A special procedure requires distribution of the insured among all pension insurance institutions. Special responsibility lies with the German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen.
Spitzenverband der landwirtschaftlichen Sozialversicherung
Weißensteinerstr. 70-72
DE-34131 Kassel
Deutschland
Tel.: +(49) 561 9359-0
Fax: +(49) 561 9559 217
Sickness funds collect contributions and forward them to pension insurance institutions.
Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy
Mohrenstr. 62,
DE-10117 Berlin,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 1888 527 0
Fax: +(49) 1888 527 1830
Federal German Pension Insurance (http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-bund.de), regional agencies of the German Pension Insurance, and the German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen (http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-knappschaft-bahn-see.de) administer the program.
Federal German Pension Insurance
Ruhrstraße 2,
DE-10709 Berlin,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 30 865 1
Fax: +(49) 30 865 27240
German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen
Pieperstraße 14 - 28,
DE-44789 Bochum,
Germany
Tel.: +(49) 234 304 0
Fax: +(49) 234 304 53050
A special procedure requires distribution of the insured among all pension insurance institutions. Special responsibility lies with the German Pension Insurance for Miners-Railwaymen-Seamen.
Spitzenverband der landwirtschaftlichen Sozialversicherung
Weißensteinerstr. 70-72
DE-34131 Kassel
Deutschland
Tel.: +(49) 561 9359-0
Fax: +(49) 561 9559 217
Sickness funds collect contributions and forward them to pension insurance institutions.
Last survey reply: 01 gener 2012
Last ISSA update: 01 gener 2012
Exchange rate: US$1.00 = 0.77 euros (€).