The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

10.14.1.30 Germany's Social Security System

Germany's social security system

The German social security system has been based on 2 main schemes:

a contributory pension insurance scheme whose payments are linked to periods of coverage, that is, periods of actual or deemed insurance contributions.
a non-contributory social assistance scheme which depends on a means test. This may need to be repaid by relatives.

Note: Under German domestic legislation, 5 years of German periods of coverage are required to qualify for a German pension.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 14 Germany

Last reviewed: 4 January 2016

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