Workers who meet certain conditions may obtain a refund of previously paid contributions. Generally, contributions can be refunded if a worker has made some contributions, but not enough to qualify for a benefit, and is no longer compulsorily covered or eligible to make voluntary contributions.

The survivors of a worker may be able to obtain a refund of the worker's contributions if none of the survivors are eligible for monthly benefits.

Except in the case of a survivor, a request for refund may be made no sooner than 2 years after the worker was last covered compulsorily under the German system. Inquiries about refunds of German contributions should be referred to the appropriate German agency (see GN 01707.020C).