Retirement in Germany – December 2025 brings a number of significant changes for pensioners and disability pensioners in Germany, which will directly affect the amount of benefits and the dates of their payment. This is a landmark month, especially for those receiving disability pensions, survivor's pensions and those who plan to retire at the turn of the year.
In view of the reform of the system under the new coalition government, it is worth keeping your finger on the pulse. Below is a complete summary of the most important information.
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1. Higher benefits for 3 million pensioners (Section 307i SGB VI)
From 1 December 2025 A new pension supplement system comes into force. This change is the result of long-awaited regulations contained in § 307i SGB VI.
Who will receive the additional funds?
The new supplement applies to persons receiving:
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disability pensions (disability pension),
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survivors' pensions, which were awarded between 2001 and 2018.
Important: Approximately 3 million eligible individuals will receive the allowance. automatically. You do not need to submit any applications – Deutsche Rentenversicherung will take the changes into account in the new decision on the amount of the benefit. The amount of the supplement depends on the so-called. Remuneration points (pension points), which reflect your earnings compared to the national average in Germany during your working life.
2. Payment dates: Pension in your account before New Year's Eve
The rules for paying benefits in December always cause excitement due to the Christmas and New Year period. In 2025, senior citizens can expect faster transfers.
Due to the arrangement of public holidays, December pensions in Germany will be paid into accounts 30 December 2025, instead of on New Year's Eve. It is worth taking this date into account when planning your household budget at the turn of the year.
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3. Retirement age in December 2025 – who will be retiring?
Germany is continuing the process of gradually raising the retirement age. December 2025 is a key date for specific age groups.
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Standard pension: In December 2025, at full retirement age 66 years and 2 months people born between 2 September 1959 and 10 October 1959.
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Required experience: The minimum contribution period is 5 years.
Early retirement for people with long service
Persons who have been insured for a long time and who have minimum 35 years of work experience, may retire at the age of 63 years old. However, it should be remembered that such a benefit will be lower by 13.2% from the basic pension.
Benefits for disabled persons
Persons with a significant degree of disability who have 35 years of service may acquire rights at the age of 61 years and 10 months. The value of this benefit is 89.21% of the basic pension. December 2025 is the last opportunity for this group to retire before reaching the age of 62.
4. New rules for calculating conditional periods (Zurechnungszeit)
From December 2025, the rules for calculating the so-called. Attribution period for incapacity pensions. The new threshold is set at 66 years and 2 months. In practice, this means a more favourable recalculation of the pension amount for new beneficiaries, which translates into higher monthly payments.
5. Important tax deadline – do not miss 31st December 2025!
This date is the deadline for persons who wish to reclaim money from the German tax authorities. 31st December 2025. This is the last day to submit a voluntary tax return for the year. 2021. After this date, the right to claim a tax refund for that year expires irrevocably.
6. Pension Package 2025 – stabilisation of the system and guarantee of 48%
The Rentenpaket 2025 reform, passed by the Bundestag, is a response to Germany's demographic challenges. Its main objective is to secure the financing of future benefits.
Key assumptions of the reform:
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Level 48%: A guarantee that the pension amount will not fall below 48% of the average salary until at least 2031.
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Combining work with retirement: Simplification of regulations allowing people to supplement their benefits without complicated limits.
7. Aktivrente is coming – a revolution from 1 January 2026.
Although December 2025 is a time of change, it is worth preparing for what will happen just after the New Year. The new government is introducing the so-called. Active pension, aimed at encouraging senior citizens to remain in the labour market for longer.
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Tax exemption: The earnings of persons of retirement age will be exempt from income tax up to the amount of €2,000 per month.
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Exclusions: The relief does not apply to the self-employed, farmers, or civil servants.
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Contributions: The requirement to pay health and nursing care insurance contributions remains in force (Health and long-term care insurance).
Do you require assistance with your German pension?
The social security system in Germany is complex, and the changes coming in 2025 require a detailed analysis of your individual situation. If you have any doubts about the amount of your pension, your retirement age, or if you wish to apply for cross-border benefits, we are at your service.
BKT International Law Firm offers professional documentation auditing and support at every stage – from the application to the final decision from Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
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Please feel free to contact us:
📧 sekretariat@bktkancelaria.pl
📞 tel. +48 606 608 089 or +49 152 176 79 397
