As of: February 18, 2024, 5:15 a.m
By: Lisa Mayerhofer
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Not everyone can count on pension payments in old age.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO
Not everyone can count on pension payments in old age.
But even those who have never paid into the pension fund could have a claim.
An overview.
Frankfurt – Poverty in old age is becoming an increasingly pressing problem in Germany; according to the Federal Statistical Office, millions of people have to receive basic security in old age and in cases of reduced earning capacity.
Because not everyone receives payments from the statutory pension insurance.
An overview.
Pension: You could also be entitled to it if you have never paid in
You are only entitled to a statutory pension in old age if you have paid into the statutory pension insurance for at least five years.
This is quite simple for employees who have worked as employees for a long time: they automatically pay into the pension funds through compulsory insurance.
Self-employed people, entrepreneurs or artists do not have this, but can voluntarily pay into the pension fund and thus get five years of contributions.
However, it is also possible to receive a pension entitlement under certain circumstances without having paid in any money, writes the German Pension Insurance.
This is based on the regulation of the contribution years: for births before 1992, you get two and a half years of contribution years for each child, and for births after 1992 you even get three years of contribution credited.
Anyone who has several children has usually already secured a pension entitlement in this way.
The same can apply under certain circumstances when caring for relatives.
No pension or too little pension in old age: Then the basic security comes into effect
But of course you don't have to expect a generous pension.
If you are only entitled to very little or no pension and at the same time have no assets, you can apply for basic security.
Basic security in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity according to Book Twelfth of the Social Code (SGB
The German pension insurance has the following rule of thumb: “If your total income is below 924 euros, you should have it checked whether you are entitled to basic security.” In addition, you must have reached the age limit for entering retirement or be permanently completely disabled and at least be 18 years old.
Basic security: Assets usually have to be used up first
Before you are entitled to basic security, existing assets - these include, for example, securities, savings assets, but also cars and real estate - must be used up.
This could initially deter many people who have less money than expected in old age or are dependent on a disability pension due to illness.
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However, there are exceptions to this rule: For example, a protective asset of 10,000 euros applies to single people;
for spouses or life partners it is 20,000 euros.
Even an “appropriate” home or an apartment you use yourself is not counted as assets.
Basic security: This is how much money there is
The amount of basic security you receive depends not only on your assets but also on your income.
The income of the permanent partner is also taken into account.
Income includes earned income, maintenance payments from parents or children, parental allowance over 300 euros, rental and lease income, child benefit, sick pay and interest.
This also includes pensions and pensions of all kinds, including the Riester pension.
At most, the basic security corresponds to the citizen's benefit and is intended to ensure the minimum subsistence level.
So in 2024 there can be 563 euros for single people and 506 euros for partners in a marriage or cohabitation.
A new application must be submitted every year
Basic security is a separate social benefit and must be applied for at the social welfare office.
The required documents are your ID, your pension certificate, proof of income and assets, and proof of social security.
Alternatively, the application can also be submitted to the German pension insurance, which will then forward it to the responsible office.
If the application has been approved and the payment of basic security has been approved, this applies for a period of one year.
After twelve months, a new application must be submitted in order to continue to be entitled to basic security.