You may be entitled to 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 gradually raised. 
• If you were born in 1964 or later, it is 67.

You can only claim the standard old-age pension if you have been 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 in which you received sick pay or unemployment benefits, for example, also count. 
  • Months between January 2005 and December 2010 in which you received unemployment benefit II or transitional allowance.
  • Voluntary contributions that you paid yourself.
  • Child-raising periods for the first 2.5 or 3 years of 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 mini-jobs that are exempt from insurance.

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

If you receive 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,
• have completed the minimum insurance period (waiting period) of 5 years, and
• submitted your application.

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 decision on 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.

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 regular old-age pension
• Personal document (such as identity card, passport, birth certificate, or family register)

Unless original documents or certified copies are expressly required, normal copies are sufficient.

There are no costs for you.

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

Online services available: Yes