BSG: Care for French in-laws not considered in pension - German court denies pension credits for caregiver of French relatives under EU rules
A man from Rhineland-Palatinate has lost his legal battle for pension credits after caring for his French in-laws. The German Federal Social Court (BSG) ruled that his work did not qualify for contributions under German pension insurance. This decision highlights a gap in EU rules for caregivers supporting family members insured in another member state.
The case centred on a caregiver who looked after his French relatives for an extended period. Under German law, those providing long-term care can earn pension credits—if the care recipient is insured in Germany. However, the BSG confirmed that this entitlement does not extend to cases where the person being cared for is covered by another EU country’s social security system.
The decision means caregivers supporting relatives insured abroad will not receive German pension credits. The BSG’s ruling reinforces that cash benefits, like pension contributions, are tied to the country responsible for the care recipient’s social insurance. No further legal steps appear possible under current EU regulations.
