As explained in GN 01707.012 - GN 01707.016, there are several types of contributory and noncontributory coverage under the German
system. Unless otherwise noted, coverage requirements in the chart must be met using
periods based on contributory coverage (compulsory or voluntary), substitute periods,
or child-rearing periods. Except as noted, excused periods may only be used to compute
benefit amounts. However, the rules vary depending upon the type of benefit claimed.
The appropriate German agency will decide which coverage periods can be used to determine
eligibility and benefit amounts.
| TYPE OF BENEFIT |
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS |
|
Old-age Benefits
|
|
|
regular old-age
|
|
|
early retirement
|
-
•
age 63, or as early as age 60 if disabled
-
•
35 years of coverage (excused periods may be included, but at least 15 years must
be periods of contributory, substitute or child-rearing coverage)
|
|
retirement due to unemployment
|
-
-
•
15 years of coverage, including 8 years of coverage based on work in the last 10
-
•
unemployed in Germany for 52 weeks during the 18-month period before
attaining age 60 or if later, the date application filed
|
|
early retirement for women
|
-
-
-
•
at least 121 months (over 10 years) of coverage based on work in last 20 years
|
|
Disability Benefits
|
-
-
•
work capacity reduced to less than 50%
-
•
60 months of coverage at any time prior to onset of disability
-
•
36 months of contributions based on covered work in 5 years immediately before onset
(this requirement is deemed met if disability results from work accident). Substitute,
excused, and child-rearing periods, periods of benefit receipt and certain other periods
extend the 5-year period.
OR
60 months of coverage before 1984 and contributing continuously since 1/1/ 84
NOTE: The severity of the individual's disability determines whether he or she receives
an occupational incapacity benefit or a higher total disability benefit.
|
|
Survivors Benefits
|
deceased worker must have 60 months of coverage or have been entitled to benefits
before his/her death
|
|
widow/widower
|
|
|
divorced widow/widower
|
-
-
•
not remarried before the worker's death
-
•
marriage was dissolved prior to 7/1/77
-
•
dependent on worker for year prior to death or worker had to pay alimony at the time
of death (if worker was not paying support at time of death, a former spouse may still
qualify if other conditions are met)
|
NOTE: If the marriage ended after 6/30/77, benefits may be payable based on the former
spouse's own insurance record. The former spouse must be unmarried and raising a child
entitled to benefits.
|
|
child
|
under age 18, or under age 25 if disabled or attending school or vocational training
|
|
Miners' Benefits
|
Persons who work in mining in Germany contribute to a special miners' fund and may
qualify for one of the retirement or disability benefits described above or one of
the miners' benefits explained below.
|
|
reduced occupational capacity
|
-
•
unable to perform the mining work normally performed in the past
-
•
same requirements as for disability benefits, but the qualifying period of 60 months
must be based on contributions to the German Miners' Pension Insurance Fund
|
|
benefits on attainment of age 50
|
-
-
•
300 months (25 years) of continuous underground mine work
-
•
unable to perform any work economically equivalent to the mining work performed in
the past
|
|
benefits on attainment of age 60
|
-
-
•
300 months (25 years) of continuous underground mine work
-
•
terminated mining employment
|