Overview

• For a start at 63, permanent cuts are 13.2 percent for the 1962 cohort, 13.8 percent for 1963 and 14.4 percent for 1964 and younger, reflecting the higher regular age.
• The deduction‑free route for 45 insurance years remains available but shifts to age 65 for those born from 1964, while the 35‑year path allows retirement from 63 only with lifelong reductions.
• The Deutsche Rentenversicherung’s Rentenbeginnrechner provides cohort‑specific start dates and reduction rates, and detailed personal statements are sent from age 55; since 2023 pensioners may earn without a statutory cap.
• Expert papers propose higher early‑retirement reduction rates of roughly 0.42–0.5 percent per month, yet no law has been passed to change the current 0.3 percent rule.
• New money matters include voluntary buy‑ins from age 50 to offset cuts, a €187.25 monthly health‑insurance allowance threshold for occupational pensions, guidance for Bürgergeld recipients weighing early retirement, and a planned 2026 “Aktivrente” tax‑free earnings allowance of up to €2,000 per month after reaching regular age that still awaits final details.