When can I apply for a disability pension?
September 20, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Schröter
Dear lawyer specializing in social security law,
My name is Siegfried Kockel and I am contacting you to inquire about when I can apply for a disability pension. I am 45 years old and have been working as a carpenter in a furniture store for the past 20 years. One year ago, I was diagnosed with a serious disc disease that significantly impairs my physical capacity. Despite intensive treatment and rehabilitation, my health has not improved and I am having major difficulties in carrying out my usual work.
Currently, I am receiving sickness benefits from my health insurance, but I am concerned that my illness may threaten my livelihood in the long term. My doctors have advised me to consider applying for a disability pension as they doubt that I will be fully fit for work again in the foreseeable future. I am unsure whether I meet the requirements for a disability pension and how the application process works.
Therefore, I would like to ask you what specific criteria need to be met in order to apply for a disability pension and how I should proceed to ensure a successful application. Are there any specific documents or assessments that I need to provide? And how long does it usually take for a decision to be made on my application? I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with detailed information to clarify my situation.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Siegfried Kockel
Dear Mr. Kockel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the disability pension. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with health issues and are worried about your future employment. I am happy to provide you with detailed information about the requirements and process of applying for a disability pension.
In order to apply for a disability pension, you must generally meet two requirements: you must be medically restricted and have paid into the statutory pension insurance for at least five years, with three of those years within the last five years before the onset of the disability. In your case, with 20 years of work as a carpenter, you meet this requirement.
The medical restriction must be severe enough that you can only work for less than six hours a day. This needs to be proven through medical examinations and reports, which you must submit along with your application. It is important that these documents are informative and up-to-date, in order to clearly present your limitations and prognosis for your future employment.
The application process for a disability pension may take some time. After you submit your application to the German Pension Insurance, it will be reviewed by an officer. Additional medical examinations or reports may be requested to verify your limitations. Typically, it takes about three to six months for a decision to be made on your application. During this time, you will continue to receive sick pay from your health insurance.
I recommend seeking support from your treating physician and gathering all relevant medical documents to strengthen your application. If you have any uncertainties or questions about the application process, you can also consult with a specialized lawyer in social insurance law who can provide comprehensive advice.
I hope this information helps you and wish you all the best for your health and application process.
Best regards,
Friedhelm Schröter
Lawyer specializing in social insurance law
