After removal to Germany, you will find a well-organised, clean country which, if you live there and follow the rules, will also help you. How to get social security in Germany?
Anyone who is interested in moving from the UK to Germany needs to know how to get social security and other insurances. Although the national social security system can be quite complicated, you can understand how this process works. About 90% of the country’s population participates in a social security program, which includes a wide range of benefits such as social assistance, accident insurance at work and nursing care.
Before leaving and moving to Germany, remember to inform the Department for Work and Pensions, which can give you further advice.
Moving from UK to Germany – social security
The German social security system is compulsory and contributions depend on your earnings. They will be deducted automatically from your salary if you work as a regular employee. Most self-employed people in this country also contribute to different insurance funds so that they can receive maximum benefits.
Everyone needs social security, including immigrants. For example, if you move to Germany with your family, you can apply for child benefit (Kindergeld), and if you receive pension benefits after working in the country for a long time, you can take advantage of these benefits even if you retire abroad. Simply put, anyone who pays contributions to German social security and insurance will receive benefits.
Types of social security and insurance in Germany
Social security in Germany is divided into three categories: tax benefits, social funds where the costs are borne by the employees and the employer, and funds paid exclusively by the employer. In the case of benefits financed by the employer, the most important is Unfallversicherung or insurance against accidents at work. This includes insurance against occupational diseases as well as accidents that occur on the way to work.
Shared benefits for employer and employee
The most expensive parts of German social security are pension and health benefits, so they are divided between employee and employer. Employees have to pay 9.8%, which is obtained from gross income and transferred to the pension fund. The contribution for nursing care is 9.975% while health insurance 7.3% and employers are obliged to contribute the same amount.
Apart from the self-employed, social security contributions in Germany are automatically deducted from employees’ remuneration. You will find it out by checking the payment details where it is described. If you have paid the appropriate insurance contributions, you will receive almost 67% of your income (net average) for your pension.
Although the system seems complicated, it is logical, and when you know the right questions – depending on whether you intend to work as an employee in Germany, be self-employed or simply retire – there is always someone ready to help. If you’ve decided to move to Germany, take some time to carefully plan your removal from the UK.
