Reduced earning capacity pension

The Erwerbsminderungsrente (EM-Rente, reduced earning capacity pension) is a benefit from the German statutory pension insurance for people who can no longer work, or can only work to a limited extent, for health reasons.

Two levels:

1. Full reduced earning capacity pension:

• You can work less than 3 hours a day (in any job)
• Average amount: approx. €950 gross/month
• Maximum: approx. €1,800 (with a very high previous income)

2. Partial reduced earning capacity pension:

• You can work 3 to under 6 hours a day
• Amount: half the full pension (~€475)

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of contributions to pension insurance
• Of which at least 3 years of compulsory contributions in the last 5 years
• A medical report confirms the reduced earning capacity

The most common causes (German Pension Insurance statistics):

• Mental illness: 41% (depression, burnout, anxiety disorders)
• Musculoskeletal disorders: 12% (back, joints)
• Cancer: 12%
• Cardiovascular disease: 8%

Why occupational disability insurance is crucial:

The EM pension often covers only a third of your last income. Anyone who earned €3,000 net and gets a €950 EM pension has a gap of €2,050/month. Only private occupational disability insurance can close this gap.