How can I apply for early retirement benefits and what requirements do I need to meet for that?
May 19, 2022 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Alwin Vollmann
Dear lawyer,
My name is Lina Krause and I am 55 years old. I have been working as a nurse in a hospital for 25 years and have been experiencing increasing health problems in recent years that make it difficult for me to continue working. I suffer from severe back pain, which is getting worse due to my job as a nurse. My doctor has advised me to quit my job and retire early.
My monthly income is not enough to cover my expenses, as I already have reduced working hours due to my health problems. Therefore, I rely on applying for early retirement. However, I do not know what requirements I have to meet and how to submit the application.
I am very worried that I will not be able to cover my rent and living expenses if I continue working in my current condition. Therefore, it is important for me to know what options there are for early retirement and how I can be supported in this process.
Could you please explain in detail how I can apply for early retirement and what requirements I need to meet? Are there any specific support services that I can access? Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Lina Krause
Dear Mrs. Krause,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding early retirement due to your health problems. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe back pain and are no longer able to continue working as a nurse. It is important that you inform yourself in a timely manner about your options to avoid financial difficulties.
In order to retire early, certain requirements must be met. In your case, you may consider applying for a disability pension. This pension is paid when you are permanently unable to work for more than three hours a day for health reasons. Your doctor must medically justify and certify this. It is advisable to consult with your treating physician about your situation and, if necessary, obtain a medical evaluation.
To apply for a disability pension, you must contact the German Pension Insurance (DRV). There, you can submit an application for a disability pension and provide all necessary documents. It is important that you submit all relevant medical records and evaluations to prove your health impairment.
There are also specific support services that you may be able to access. These include, for example, support for participation in working life, rehabilitation, or financial assistance from the social welfare office. It is advisable to seek advice from an experienced social law expert to fully explore all support options.
I strongly recommend that you promptly contact the DRV and submit your application for a disability pension. The sooner you act, the sooner you can receive financial security and support. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Alwin Vollmann
