Many people with rheumatic disease fight their disease for years. And still reach a point where working becomes impossible. A reduced earning capacity pension cushions financial losses in this case.
In order to apply for a reduction in earning capacity pension, you should make a free consultation appointment at a local advice center of the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). Staff will analyze your child's situation, fill out forms and forward documents to you.
Applicants must meet these conditions
Not every rheumatism sufferer can apply for the reduced earning capacity pension. In general, the principle "rehabilitation before pension" applies. Before applying, you must exhaust all rehabilitation options. Only when doctors certify that your full earning capacity cannot be restored can you apply for a reduced earning capacity pension. The extent to which you meet the formal requirements for an early pension can be seen from your insurance history, which is sent to you annually by the DRV. For more information, see this brochure.
Partial or full reduction in earning capacity
Are you still able to work? The pension company answers this question based on the amount of time you can work each day. And not only in your main profession, but in any profession in the general labor market.
– You are not entitled to a reduced earning capacity pension if you are no longer able to work at all in your occupation as a construction worker, as determined by a doctor, but can still work six hours a day as a temporary employee in an office, for example. – You can apply for a partial reduced earning capacity pension if you can only work three to less than six hours a day in any occupation. – If you work less than three hours a day, you are eligible for a full reduced earning capacity pension.
Amount of reduced earning capacity pension shows considerable range
The amount of the reduced earning capacity pension is calculated – as with the old-age pension – according to the so-called pension formula, which is essentially made up of the contributions that the insured person has paid during his working life. For young people who already had to draw a pension due to reduced earning capacity at a young age, the so-called Zurechnungszeit (additional calculation period) applies. The insurance carrier treats them as if they are until they are 61. You have been working since the age of 50. The additional period ends for pensions that are paid from 1. January 2019 be drawn at 65 years and 8 months. The amount of the reduction in earning capacity pension is thus calculated as if one had worked up to the age of 65 years and 8 months consistently as before. The additional qualifying period is to be gradually increased to 67 by 2031. To be raised to the age of two. This will increase the reduced earning capacity pension for pension recipients starting in 2019.