You may be eligible for the standard old-age pension once you reach 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 being raised in stages. 
• If you were born in 1964 or later, it is 67 years of age.

You can only claim the standard old-age pension if you were insured for a certain period of time. 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 during which you received, for example, sick pay or unemployment benefits also count, 
  • months between January 2005 and December 2010 during which you received Unemployment Benefit II or transitional allowance.
  • Voluntary contributions that you paid on your own.
  • Child-rearing periods for the first 2.5 or 3 years of a child’s life.
  • Months of non-professional home 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 rights equalization.
• Creditable months from pension splitting between spouses or registered partners.
• Creditable months for non-insurance-subject mini-jobs.

You cannot receive the standard old-age pension early, not even with reductions.

If you are receiving a standard old-age pension, you can earn additional income without restriction. Nothing will be deducted from your pension.

You have

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

You can submit your application online, in person, or by mail.

Online application:

• On the German Pension Insurance (DRV) website under “Online Services,” you will find detailed information about the process. 
• 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 after registering. This allows you, for example, to immediately see which insurance periods have already been recorded. You’ll also save time and won’t have to re-enter information you’ve already provided.
• 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 provider will review your application.
• You will receive a decision regarding your application.

In-person application:

• Gather the necessary documents for your application and schedule an appointment with the DRV. 
• When scheduling an appointment online, your personal information and, if possible, your insurance number will be required. 
• You can select your preferred service center and your desired appointment date. Depending on the availability of open slots, you will receive a proposal for a confirmed consultation appointment.
• During your in-person consultation, your application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the responsible pension insurance provider.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application. 
• You will receive a decision regarding 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 counseling centers.
• Fill out the application form, sign it, and attach the required documents.
• Send all documents 
  • by mail to your pension insurance provider or
  • submit them in person at one of the local counseling centers.
• The responsible pension insurance provider will review your application. 
• You will receive a decision regarding 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 agency. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance agency will communicate exclusively with the person you have authorized.

If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can take place 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 regarding your pension application.

• Lawsuit before the Social Court. 

You can find detailed information in the notice of appeal.

If possible, you should submit your application three months before the desired start date of your pension.

Processing usually takes up to 3 months.

• Application for a Standard Old-Age Pension
• Identification document (such as an ID card, passport, birth certificate, or family register)

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

There are no costs for you.

Forms available: Yes
Written form required: Yes
Informal applications accepted: No
In-person appearance required: No

Online services available: Yes