Overview
- The Federal Social Court (BSG, case B 12 R 11/22 R) ruled that months in which unemployment benefit I was actually paid remain compulsory contribution periods even if an early old-age pension is later granted for the same timeframe.
- The judges dismissed the Federal Employment Agency’s bid to avoid about €24,746 in back payments, underscoring that contribution duty continues until the statutory age under post‑2017 Flexirente rules.
- People nearing retirement are urged to check their DRV records so ALG I months are correctly credited, as these periods can boost pension points and count toward waiting times.
- In 2026, the 1960 cohort reaches regular retirement at 66 years and 4 months, and those born in 1964 with a certified disability of at least 50 can start at 62 with permanent deductions of 0.3% per month up to 10.8%.
- Planning now also reflects the new package’s Aktivrente option for flexible post‑retirement work and a recent high-court confirmation that early severely disabled pensions generally carry permanent cuts even with 45 insurance years.