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Pension

Have time spent raising children counted toward retirement

Crediting of child-rearing periods to the pension account with the German Pension Insurance (3 years per child for children born before 1992, 3 years for children born in 1992 or later).

Processing: approx. 1 months
Success rate: 95.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Application to the German Pension Insurance (DRV) for the recognition of child-rearing periods

    Form V800 (Determination of Child-Rearing Periods).

  2. 2

    Submit the children's birth certificates

    Proof of parentage and date of birth.

  3. 3

    Pension account is being updated

    Periods spent raising children increase your future pension benefits.

Required documents

  • Children's birth certificatesMandatory

    Proof of parenthood.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 1 months

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Request not submitted, even though times are not automatically carried over
  • • Both parents are requesting the same time period

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Parental leave has already been assigned to the other parent
  • • No proof of education in Germany

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Parents who have raised children and wish to fill gaps in their pension records caused by periods spent raising children.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months

Success rate

approx. 95.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Request not submitted, even though times are not automatically carried over
  • •Both parents are requesting the same time period

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Parental leave has already been assigned to the other parent
  • •No proof of education in Germany

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Read more

Handle Have time spent raising children counted toward retirement online

Submit your application directly online – without visiting an office.

Start online application