Families receive significant additional funds with 100 euros credited to their accounts.
In a significant move, Germany has enacted a new maternity pension reform as part of a broader pension reform package, effective from July 2022 [1]. The aim of this reform is to expand eligibility and benefits for the "mother's pension," with a focus on parents who raised children born before 1992 [2].
This reform is designed to recognise and reward the earlier childcare contributions made by these parents more adequately than before. The extra maternity pension payment or supplement will be introduced starting in 2026 when the reform measures, including the mother's pension expansion, come into effect financially [2][5].
The value of a pension point has been increased to 40.79 euros, leading to an extra payment that could be substantial for families. For instance, parents who have raised two children may receive an additional 100 euros annually [6].
The prerequisite for receiving the extra payment is that the child lived in one's own household and care for the child can be proven during the specified period [7]. Grandparents, fathers, or foster parents can also be eligible for this extra maternity pension payment [8].
However, the exact timing of the extra payment beyond 2026 remains uncertain, with some speculation pointing towards 2027 [9]. It's worth noting that some new pensioners in 2027 or 2028 might need to apply for this service again and prove the child-rearing periods to the Pension Insurance [10].
This reform forms part of a comprehensive social security improvement, also including extended maternity protections from the 13th week of pregnancy and flexible parental leave notifications, effective since mid-2025 [1][5]. The reform is funded exclusively by the federal budget, with the enhanced benefits and supplement payments anticipated from 2026 onwards [2][5].
The German Pension Insurance sees the year after 2027 as more realistic for the new maternity pension. The coalition is currently planning to recognise at least three years of child-rearing time for mothers in the pension system, which would bring an additional 122 euros per child in pension [3].
In conclusion, the newly enacted 2025 pension reform laws in Germany will provide extra maternity pension payments or supplements to parents who raised children born before 1992, starting in 2026. This reform expands the mother's pension eligibility and secures sustained pension levels until 2031, funded by the federal government [1][2].
References: 1. Bundesregierung 2. Deutsche Rentenversicherung 3. Handelsblatt 4. Sueddeutsche Zeitung 5. Spiegel Online 6. FAZ
This reform, initiated by the German government, introduces extra maternity pension supplements for parents who raised children before 1992, starting from 2026. This financial aid is part of a broader wealth-management strategy aimed at maintaining pension levels for personal-finance security until 2031, funded through the federal budget.
