How the Pension Point Calculator Works (2026)

In the statutory pension insurance, your future pension claims are simplified and mapped via Earnings Points ("Pension Points"). The idea is simple: If you earn about the same as the average of all insured persons in a year, you collect roughly 1.0 Point for that year. If you earn less, you get fewer points; if you earn more, you get more points – but only up to the contribution assessment ceiling. This is exactly where this calculator adds real value: It shows you not only "Points", but also ceiling effects, scenarios for the pension value, and a rough early/late retirement factor.

The Core Formula (for 2026)

For a calendar year, the following applies as a guide: Earnings Points = Contributory Annual Gross ÷ Average Earnings. For 2026, the calculator works with the preliminary average earnings of 51,944 $ as well as the Contribution Assessment Ceiling (BBG) of the general pension insurance of 101,400 $ per year. This means: Even if your actual gross income is higher, a maximum of 101,400 $ is used for the point calculation. This creates a natural upper limit on points per year. Additionally, you can use the contribution months (0–12) – useful for part-time phases, job changes, or if you were not employed subject to contributions for the entire year.

From Points to Monthly Pension: Scenario instead of Crystal Ball

A point only becomes "USD" when it is multiplied by the current pension value. This is usually redefined annually on July 1st. As a default, the calculator uses the uniform federal pension value of 40.79 $ (Status 07/01/2025). Because future adjustments are never exactly predictable, you can do two things: (1) Override the pension value directly or (2) play through a percentage scenario with the slider. This gives you a feeling for how sensitive the result reacts to pension value changes.

Retiring Earlier or Later?

Optionally, the calculator considers a rough Access Factor: for early retirement start, it calculates with 0.3% deduction per month, for later retirement start with 0.5% surcharge per month. This is a common rule of thumb for many old-age pensions – but does not replace an individual check. If you just want it "neutral", leave the setting on "Normal".

Important Notes

• The result is an orientation and not a pension information.
• Child-rearing times, unemployment, illness, nursing care, or special times can change the valuation.
• Health/nursing care contributions and taxes may be deducted from the gross pension (not calculated here).
• For the "Existing Points", best use your pension information or insurance history.

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