Pensions: contributions can be back-paid for certain school and study periods
The information is for people insured in Germany who attended school, vocational preparation or higher education after turning 16. Voluntary contributions can be back-paid for certain months not already credited to the pension account; this is not a new change in law and payment is not automatic.
Existing rule in Germany · DRV information dated 13 October 2026
Periods that may qualify
Eligible periods may include school or vocational preparation between ages 16 and 17, higher education after 17 beyond the eight years credited as an Anrechnungszeit, and certain months of enrolment after completing a course of study. Back-payment is possible only if those months are not already contribution or credited periods.
Age limit and 2026 amounts
The application must generally be submitted before age 45. For each eligible month, the chosen 2026 contribution can range from €112.16 to €1,571.70. The suitable amount and its effect on the pension depend on the individual case.
How to proceed
First check your Versicherungsverlauf and obtain individual advice from Deutsche Rentenversicherung. The application can be submitted online using form V0080. Contributions can help meet qualifying periods and increase a pension, but they are not automatically advantageous in every case and do not guarantee a particular amount.
General information as of publication. Individual circumstances and the responsible institution’s rules may require additional documents or steps.