What options do I have to apply for early retirement?
March 29, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Christian Voigt
Dear lawyer specializing in social security law,
My name is Bernd Heuser and I am 58 years old. I have been working as a craftsman for many years and have already encountered some health problems that make it increasingly difficult for me to continue working in my profession. Lately, I have been experiencing more pain in my joints and am not physically able to work as strenuously as before. My doctor has advised me to quit my job and retire early.
I am very worried about how I will cover my ongoing expenses if I retire early. I know that there is the possibility to apply for a disability pension, but I am unsure if I meet the necessary requirements and how much the pension would be in this case.
Therefore, my question to you is: What options do I have to apply for my pension early? How much would the pension be if I apply for a disability pension? Are there any other options I should consider?
I am grateful for your support and guidance in this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Bernd Heuser
Dear Mr. Heuser,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the application for a disability pension due to your health problems. It is understandable that you are concerned about how you will cover your ongoing expenses if you have to retire early. I will be happy to explain to you in detail the options available to you in this situation.
To apply for a disability pension, you must first meet the requirements. It is crucial to determine whether you are still able to work at least six hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labor market. If your doctor has advised you to give up your profession, this already suggests that you may meet the requirements for a disability pension. It is advisable to have your work capacity assessed by a specialist in occupational medicine or an expert from the social security carrier.
The amount of the disability pension depends on various factors, such as your previous contribution periods and your average income. There are two types of disability pensions: full and partial disability pensions. You will receive a full disability pension if you can work less than three hours a day. A partial disability pension is paid if you can work between three and six hours a day. The exact amount of the pension can therefore vary and would need to be calculated individually.
In addition to the disability pension, there is also the possibility to apply for an old-age pension for severely disabled people if you have a disability card with a degree of disability of at least 50. This pension may potentially be higher than the disability pension.
It is important that you seek advice from a lawyer specializing in social insurance law early on to explore all options and make an informed decision. I am available for a personal consultation in my online office hours.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am happy to assist you with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Christian Voigt
