Wegweiser Seniors · Rights & Benefits Deutsch

➕ Earning extra income in retirement

Since 1 January 2023 there has been no earnings limit for old-age pensioners – you may earn as much extra as you like without your pension being reduced.

earnings limit (Hinzuverdienstgrenze) 34 SGB VI reduced earning capacity pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) health insurance for pensioners (Krankenversicherung der Rentner) tax liability full pension (Vollrente)

In brief

In the past, people who received an old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age could only earn extra up to a certain limit without the pension being reduced. This earnings limit was permanently abolished on 1 January 2023. Anyone who receives an old-age pension – whether before or after the standard retirement age – can since then earn any amount extra without the pension being reduced for that reason. For reduced earning capacity pensions this does not apply in the same way; earnings rules still exist there.

Step by step

  1. Distinguish the type of pensionCheck whether you receive an old-age pension or a reduced earning capacity pension – only for the old-age pension has the earnings limit been completely abolished.
  2. Take up work as usualWith an old-age pension you generally no longer have to report taking up employment to the pension insurance for the pension amount to remain unchanged.
  3. Check the tax consequencesEarned income alongside the pension remains subject to regular income tax and, together with the taxable portion of the pension, can trigger an obligation to file a tax return.
  4. Keep an eye on health insurance contributionsAdditional contributions become due in the health insurance for pensioners on earned income alongside the pension.

Deadlines

since 1.1.2023
Complete abolition of the earnings limit for old-age pensions (before and after the standard retirement age)§ 34 SGB VI
Watch out – common mistakes
  • Do not confuse this rule with the reduced earning capacity pension: separate earnings limits still apply there, which this page does not cover.
  • The abolition of the earnings limit does not change the income tax liability on earned income and on the taxable portion of the pension.
  • If you work alongside your pension, you continue to pay regular social insurance contributions on this earned income, including to the health insurance for pensioners.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Legal development

Until 2022, old-age pensioners could earn extra before reaching the standard retirement age only up to a fixed annual limit without the pension being reduced (most recently €6,300 per year); during the coronavirus pandemic this limit was temporarily suspended in 2020–2022. With effect from 1 January 2023, the earnings limit for old-age pensions was permanently and completely abolished (§ 34 SGB VI in the version applicable since 1.1.2023).

Distinction from the reduced earning capacity pension

Separate earnings rules continue to apply to pensions for partial or full reduced earning capacity, because these pensions, unlike the old-age pension, aim to compensate for limited earning capacity. These rules are not covered by this page.

Tax and health insurance

The abolition of the earnings limit concerns only the amount of the pension. Earned income remains subject to income tax regardless, and additional contributions are levied on earnings in the health insurance for pensioners.

Who is responsible
  • Deutsche Rentenversicherung (pension amount)
  • Finanzamt (tax office) (income tax)
  • Krankenkasse (health insurer) (contributions to the KVdR)
Further reading
Applying for an old-age pensionTax relief in old age

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Earning extra income in retirement“?
Since 1 January 2023 there has been no earnings limit for old-age pensioners – you may earn as much extra as you like without your pension being reduced.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
since 1.1.2023: Complete abolition of the earnings limit for old-age pensions (before and after the standard retirement age) (§ 34 SGB VI)
What should I do first?
  • Distinguish the type of pension: Check whether you receive an old-age pension or a reduced earning capacity pension – only for the old-age pension has the earnings limit been completely abolished.
  • Take up work as usual: With an old-age pension you generally no longer have to report taking up employment to the pension insurance for the pension amount to remain unchanged.
  • Check the tax consequences: Earned income alongside the pension remains subject to regular income tax and, together with the taxable portion of the pension, can trigger an obligation to file a tax return.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • Do not confuse this rule with the reduced earning capacity pension: separate earnings limits still apply there, which this page does not cover.
  • The abolition of the earnings limit does not change the income tax liability on earned income and on the taxable portion of the pension.
  • If you work alongside your pension, you continue to pay regular social insurance contributions on this earned income, including to the health insurance for pensioners.
Evidence
  • § 34 SGB VI (gesetze-im-internet.de, version since 1.1.2023)
  • Deutsche Rentenversicherung, information on additional earnings, as of 2026
As of

As of: September 2026 · Sources and method

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.