# Retirement benefits
Just as you can design your retirement to meet your individual needs, there are many different ways to finance your security and independence in old age. Here we have compiled everything you need to know about ways to take care of finances so your golden years can be happy.
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If you would like information about your future pension entitlements and your pension start date, you can request this informally at any time.
From your 27th birthday, you will receive annual pension information from your pension insurance provider if you have paid contributions for a total of at least 5 years. You can also request the pension information informally at any time.
If you are no longer able to work due to illness or disability, you can receive a reduced earning capacity pension in many cases.
If your spouse or registered partner dies, in many cases you can receive a widow's or widower's pension.
Children for whom one or both parents are deceased may apply for an orphan's pension.
If you receive a citizen's allowance, you can apply for a loan from the job center in acute emergencies if you cannot pay an amount that should be covered by your regular needs and you cannot postpone the payment.