Status: 22/06/2023, 13:52 p.m.
By: Mark Stoffers
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Although the inflation rate this year is significantly higher than the pension increase, pensioners have still received more money over the years. © Patrick Pleul/dpa
In the case of a chronic illness, you can retire earlier without financial disadvantages. What you need to consider.
Berlin – Many people in Germany dream of retiring earlier. And maybe you want to enjoy your pension even under palm trees abroad or get paid 2500 euros a month as a pensioner. But in the end, it is more important to spend the rest of your life in a healthy way. However, this is not the case for every employee. Finally, chronic diseases can also have an impact on pensions.
Almost eight million people in Germany are considered severely disabled according to the definition in . They have a severely disabled person's pass and receive subsidies from the state. Nevertheless, despite their limitations, many disabled people are up to 2021 percent integrated into the labor market and fully employable, according to 57 data from the Federal Statistical Office. However, many people are not aware that there are a large number of chronic diseases that are recognized as disabilities. As a result, people with diseases such as asthma, diabetes or rheumatism are entitled to various reliefs that can make their lives a little easier.
Early retirement due to chronic illnesses: Receive a severely disabled person's pass
Chronic illnesses can also become an obstacle to retirement. After all, some people are so limited by their medical conditions that they are unable to work the entire time until retirement. But there is at least the possibility of retiring earlier due to chronic illnesses.
The social association VdK assumes that more than a third of all people in Germany suffer from a chronic disease. When exactly a disease is considered "chronic", however, is still controversial in medicine. However, the Federal Joint Committee of Health Insurance Funds and Doctors has agreed on the following definition: Anyone who is dependent on medical treatment at least once a quarter for the same illness is considered chronically ill. Anyone who has a chronic illness can apply for a severely disabled person's pass and thus also benefit from relief and support.
Retire earlier due to chronic diseases: The following diseases are recognized
- The following diseases, among others, are recognized as chronic diseases and make it possible to retire earlier:
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Depressions
- Consequences of a stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
- Migraine
- Cancers
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatism
- Back pain
Retiring earlier in the case of chronic illnesses: degree of disability is decisive
The decisive factor for an application for severe disability is the degree of disability (GdB). This must be determined by a doctor upon request. From a GdB of 50, you are considered severely disabled and can therefore get a severely disabled person's pass. The lowest GdB is 20, the highest 100.
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According to the VdK, a severe migraine, which occurs every few days and severely affects everyday life, can be quantified with a GdB of 50. The severely disabled person's card, which can bring many advantages, is then applied for at the pension office after the GdB has been determined.
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Retirement at 63: Severely disabled people retire earlier
Anyone who has already received a severely disabled person's pass can receive various benefits and compensation for disadvantages. Apart from tax breaks and special leave, severely disabled people also have the option of retiring two years earlier after 35 years of insurance – without financial deductions. If you can live with less pension, it is even possible to retire even earlier.
For those born in 1954, this means a pension at the age of 63 without a reduction in the pension and at the age of 60, who accepts a reduction of 10.8 percent.
Early retirement: Which cohorts can retire earlier
The following table summarizes which year of birth is associated with which early retirement:
| Vintage | Retirement age with severely disabled person's pass |
|---|---|
| 1952 | 63 |
| 1953 | 63 |
| 1954 | 63 |
| 1955 | 63 |
| 1956 | 63 |
| 1957 | 63 |
| 1958 | 64 |
| 1959 | 64 |
| 1960 | 64 |
| 1961 | 64 |
| 1962 | 64 |
| 1963 | 64 |
| 1964 | 65 |
Disability pension for those who can no longer work
Anyone who is unable to work in whole or in part due to a long-term illness can receive the disability pension. The hurdles for this are very high despite a chronic illness, as the disability pension replaces income. It is also a prerequisite that you have not yet reached retirement age. Before a disability pension is approved, those affected must have undergone various rehabilitation measures.
Meanwhile, many people continue to dream of retiring earlier – even if there are some deductions to be expected.
