With the pension for severely disabled persons, you can receive an old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age with or without a reduction of up to 10.8 percent.

If you were born between 1952 and 1963, the age limit for a pension without deductions will be gradually raised from 63 to 65.

If you were born in 1964 or later, the age limit is 65. However, you can also claim the old-age pension for severely disabled persons early – at the earliest 3 years before reaching the age limit for a pension without deductions for severely disabled persons. In this case, however, you will receive a deduction of up to 10.8 percent.

Special case of "protection of legitimate expectations":

If you

• were born before January 1, 1964,
• were severely disabled on January 1, 2007, and
• received adjustment payments for laid-off mining employees,

you can continue to receive your old-age pension for severely disabled persons at the age of 63 without any reductions on the basis of protection of legitimate expectations. With a reduction of 10.8 percent, you can then claim your pension early at the age of 60.

Note: You will continue to be entitled to your pension even if your severe disability is no longer recognized while you are receiving your pension.

You are:

• severely disabled at the start of your pension,
• meet the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 35 years, and
• have reached the relevant age for you.

• Severely disabled persons are all persons with a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50 (maximum possible GdB: 100).
• Your severe disability is proven by your severe disability card or notification. You must apply for this proof from the pension office and have it available when your pension begins.
• The 35-year waiting period includes:
  • Contribution periods
  • Substitute periods
  • Credited periods
  • Periods taken into account for raising children and periods taken into account for caregiving
  • Waiting period months from pension rights equalization or pension splitting
  • Waiting period months from supplements to remuneration points for remuneration from marginal employment not subject to insurance 
  • Waiting period months from supplements to remuneration points for remuneration from minor employment for which employees are exempt from compulsory insurance.

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

Online application:

• You will find detailed information on the procedure on the German Pension Insurance (DRV) website under "Online Services." 
• If you follow the "Submit application" link, you will be guided through the remaining steps and can select the desired application.
• Alternatively, you can use the online services by registering. This allows you to see, for example, which insurance periods have already been recorded. It also saves you time and means you don't have to re-enter data that is already known.
• Fill out the application completely 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 notification regarding your application.

Personal application:

• Gather the necessary documents for your application and make an appointment with the DRV. 
• When making an appointment online, you will need to provide your personal details and, if possible, your insurance number. 
• You can select your preferred advice center and your preferred appointment 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 institution.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application. 
• You will receive a decision on your application.

Written application:

• Go to the DRV website.
• Download the desired application form. 
• 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 provider or
  • hand them in at one of the local advice centers.
• The responsible pension insurance provider 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. To do so, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance provider. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance provider will only contact the person you have authorized.

If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can be conducted online. You can either use the electronic mailbox under the online services with registration or De-Mail.

• Objection. 

You can find detailed information in the decision on your pension application.

• Appeal before the social court. 

You can find detailed information in the appeal decision.

• Application deadline: 3 months If possible
  , you should submit your application 3 months before the desired start date of your pension.

• Pension application for severely disabled persons
• Personal document (such as identity card, passport, birth certificate, or family register)
• Severe disability card or notification

There are no costs involved.

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

Online services available: Yes