Pensions and Benefits – Germany – Guides for the Polish Diaspora

🇩🇪 Germany Pensions and Benefits Verified

Pension from Germany and ZUS: EU Coordination, Taxes, and the Neubrandenburg Finanzamt Trap (2026)

Polish and German periods are summed up (only 5 years in total are needed), one application in the country of residence (ZUS Opole handles PL–DE matters), and as of July 1, 2026, the pension point is worth 42.52 EUR (+4.24%). Traps: the German pension is taxed in Germany (Neubrandenburg – service in Polish), the bank will deduct 9% for NFZ, and the 13th/14th pension may be 'counted' towards German benefits.

🇩🇪 Germany Pensions and Benefits Verified

Kindergeld and Family Benefits from Germany When Children Live in Poland: EU Coordination and 800+ (2026)

Kindergeld of 259 EUR/month is also available for children in Poland – EU priority rules determine whether Germany pays the full amount or a differential supplement over 800+. Step-by-step application to Familienkasse (Steuer-ID, children's PESEL, SED/EESSI exchange), Elterngeld, Kinderzuschlag, and the reformed basic benefit effective from July 1, 2026.

🇩🇪 Germany Pensions and Benefits

Bürgergeld in Germany – what it is, who qualifies, amounts, how to apply (2026)

Bürgergeld (since 2023, replacing Hartz IV / ALG II) is a German social benefit for working-age individuals (15-67) who are capable of work but have low income.