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The key change is the introduction of partial retirement, which will largely replace partial retirement for older workers. The statutory retirement age for women will continue to rise. The path to corridor pensions will become longer. Pension adjustments will only fully compensate for inflation for incomes up to €2,500; above that, there will be a fixed amount.
Specifically, an increase of 2.7 percent is planned for pensions up to €2,500, while all higher pensions will be increased by a fixed amount of €67.50. It should be noted that different pension payments received by the same person will be added together. This means that if someone receives a small second pension, it will not be increased, even though it is less than €2,500. In the first year after retirement, everyone will now receive half of the increase – i.e., 1.35 percent instead of 2.7 percent.
The reference rates for the equalization supplement will be increased by 2.7 percent. Next year, single people will receive €1,308.39 per month and couples €2,064.12.
Women’s retirement age continues to rise
The retirement age for women will increase again by six months. For people born in the first half of 1965, it will be 61.5 years.
The age of eligibility for the corridor pension will also be raised from 62 to 63 starting next year. This will take place quarterly at the beginning of each year, with an increase of two months each time. This affects people born in 1964 or later. Those born in the first quarter of this year can enter the corridor at 62 years and two months. Those born in the second quarter can enter the corridor at 62 years and four months, and so on.
It should be noted, however, that the number of insurance months required is also increasing. The same method applies here, i.e., an increase of two months per quarter.
Partial pension comes into effect
Partial pension is a completely new feature that will come into effect in 2026. It can be taken if the requirements for an old-age pension (regular old-age pension, corridor, “Hacklerregelung” (heavy labor pension), heavy labor pension) are met. Work must be reduced by 25 to 75 percent and an agreement must be reached with the employer.
The principle is that, in addition to your earnings, you receive part of the pension you have saved up to that point, while the other part continues to accrue until you reach full retirement age. How much is paid out depends on the extent of the reduction in working hours. It should not be forgotten that partial pensions are also subject to reductions depending on the type of pension, e.g., 5.1 percent per year for the corridor pension.
Linked to partial retirement is a restriction on continuous partial retirement, which can now only be taken if the requirements for partial retirement are not met. Furthermore, it will be gradually reduced from five years to three years. Partial retirement taken in 2026 can therefore only last 4.5 years.
Ban on secondary employment
Another new feature is that secondary employment with other employers is no longer permitted during partial retirement. This also applies to marginal employment. Excluded from this rule are those secondary jobs that were already regularly performed for another employer in the year prior to starting partial retirement.
The new year brings good news for people in the care sector with regard to their future pensions. From 2026, all work-related care will be considered heavy labor. Care must account for at least 50 percent of working hours or 4 hours per day. For shift work, it is sufficient to work shifts on at least twelve days in a calendar month.
- source: APA/picture: pixabay.com
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