Overview
- From January 1, 2026, those born in 1964 or later can claim a penalty‑free disability old‑age pension only at 65, with early exit from 62 incurring permanent 0.3% cuts per month up to 10.8%.
- Core eligibility remains unchanged: a disability degree of at least 50 must exist at the start of the pension and at least 35 insurance years are required; a later reduction of the disability grade does not end an already granted pension.
- Trust‑protection under §236a SGB VI expires on December 31, 2025 for post‑1963 births, while earlier cohorts retain phased transition ages.
- A recent court case (Az.: L 7 R 88/20) underscores strict timing: full disability pensions require three years of compulsory contributions within the five years before the insured event, and late medical proof can sink claims even if impairment exists.
- Advisers warn against filing a deterioration request shortly before retirement and recommend DRV/VdK counseling, careful bridging via ALG I, part‑pensions or minijobs with opted‑in pension contributions to close gaps, and note that earnings limits for early old‑age pensions were removed in 2023.