Erwerbsunfähigkeitsleistungen

Erwerbsunfähigkeit is a term used in German-speaking social law to describe a person’s incapacity to earn a living through regular work due to illness, disability, or other health limitations. In many contexts it is closely linked to the concept of Erwerbsminderung, which determines eligibility for pension benefits in the statutory pension system.

In Germany, the pension system distinguishes voll erwerbsgemindert (full incapacity to work) and teilweise erwerbsgemindert (partial incapacity to work). Voll erwerbsgemindert means the person cannot work more than about three hours per day; teilweise erwerbsgemindert means the person can work roughly three to six hours per day. The exact assessment depends on medical and occupational factors and is conducted by the medical service of the pension insurer.

Eligibility for a pension due to reduced earning capacity requires a period of contributions to the statutory pension system and a medical evaluation. The assessment is carried out by the medical service of the pension insurance (Medizinischer Dienst der Rentenversicherung). If granted, the benefit replaces part of the lost earnings and is calculated based on prior earnings and the degree of impairment. The pension can be awarded for a limited time or for life, subject to periodic reviews.

Beyond the pension, Erwerbsunfähigkeit can trigger rehabilitation measures, vocational retraining, and other social support aimed at improving or preserving functional capacity and returning to work where possible. The term and its precise legal implications vary by jurisdiction, and historical usage may differ from contemporary practice.