🧭 No longer able to work full-time: the overview
In brief
You can no longer work full-time for health reasons. In that case there is not one single benefit, but a chain of offices.
It usually works like this: first your employer pays your wages, then the health insurance fund pays sickness benefit (Krankengeld). The pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) checks whether rehabilitation can help. If not, it can pay a reduced earning capacity pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente). If the money is not enough, basic income support (Grundsicherung) is added.
Two numbers matter: If you can work less than 3 hours a day, you count as fully incapacitated for work (voll erwerbsgemindert). If you can work 3 to under 6 hours a day, you count as partially incapacitated for work (teilweise erwerbsgemindert).
This group explains the transitions. The basics of the reduced earning capacity pension are explained in detail in the group Berufsunfähigkeit. For severe disability see the group Menschen mit Behinderung, for health insurance benefits the group Chronisch Kranke.
Step by step
- Clarify sick note and sickness benefitAsk your health insurance fund how long sickness benefit is paid and when it ends.
- Raise the need for rehabilitationTalk to your doctor about applying to the pension insurance for rehabilitation.
- Have a pension application checkedGet advice on whether and when an application for a reduced earning capacity pension makes sense.
- Close gaps in incomeCheck unemployment benefit during illness, basic income support or housing benefit (Wohngeld).
Deadlines
- Important letters from your health insurance fund, employment agency or pension insurance contain deadlines. Read them immediately.
- Do not submit an application just out of fear. Some applications, for example for a pension, have consequences for other benefits.
- These pages are general information, not legal advice.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Who counts as having reduced earning capacity
§ 43 SGB VI distinguishes partial reduction in earning capacity (unable to work at least six hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labour market) and full reduction in earning capacity (unable to work at least three hours a day). Under paragraph 3: "A person does not have reduced earning capacity if they can work at least six hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labour market; the labour market situation is not taken into account."
Insurance requirements
Under § 43 Abs. 1 and 2 SGB VI, three years of compulsory contributions in the last five years before the reduction in earning capacity began are required. The qualifying period under § 50 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 SGB VI is five years. Paragraph 4 extends the five-year period by certain times, paragraph 5 lists exceptions to the three-year requirement, paragraph 6 provides a special rule with a 20-year qualifying period. The details of paragraphs 4 to 6 were not checked against the full text here.
Responsibilities at a glance
Sickness benefit: health insurance fund (basis of entitlement § 44 SGB V; duration § 48 SGB V). Rehabilitation and reduced earning capacity pension: pension insurance. Unemployment benefit in case of reduced capacity to work: employment agency (§ 145 SGB III). Basic income support in case of permanent full reduction in earning capacity: Sozialamt (social welfare office) (Chapter 4 SGB XII, § 41).
References
Requirements, qualifying period, application and objection: group Berufsunfähigkeit. Severe disability card and degree of disability (GdB): groups Menschen mit Behinderung and Chronisch Kranke. Basic income support in old age and housing benefit for pensioners: group Rentner. Unemployment benefit and basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld) in general: group Arbeitslose.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.