Overview
- The Alterssicherungskommission recommended abolishing the abschlagsfreie Altersrente for people with 45 contribution years in its final report delivered on June 23, 2026.
- Existing law remains unchanged for now and no bill has been passed while the coalition negotiates which cohorts, transition rules and eligibility tests would apply.
- Three replacement models are under debate: keep the rule or phase it out slowly, a Schwerarbeitsrente tied to proven heavy work similar to Austria’s system, or medically based early access for those with occupational performance limits.
- Public opposition is strong: an Insa poll for Bild found two-thirds oppose scrapping the benefit and 56% say they want or have used the early option, a fact cited by state leaders from eastern Germany and several CDU and SPD figures in their objections.
- The commission’s data show about 30% of new retirees used the early route since 2015 and their average 2025 pension was €1,677 versus €1,257 for long-term insured, which shapes disputes over fairness, trust protection and whether a proposed pension exemption in basic income support is adequate compensation.