Freelance teachers and German state pensions

To Freelance Teachers

I have just read this statement on the BFA website that is published in English, it is listed under the self employed persons section.


The way I read this, as a self employed teacher, I do not really have to apply and pay into pension for 5 years - am I missing something or is it just a bad translation on the page???

Am trying to figure this out and have not really found any "consistent" answers.

I have also heard from a teacher that they were able to get exempt, but they cant remember exactly how as it was several years ago.

Can any FREELANCE TEACHERS share their experience and advice.

Thanks,
Babs

Give us the link Babs. Can then comment more.

Here it is - sorry, should have included Was happy to find this in English, but it really just confuses me more.

http://www.bfa.de/eng_welcome.html

I also came across this page earlier and marveled at the confusing English. It's like it was written by a German with a dictionary and a large supply of LSD!

Just wanted to put this question out there again to those of you who may be able to help.
Thanks,
babs

I don't get it either. Poorly written stuff. The German version's not any better. The Agentur offers free help though, make an appointment and go in.

Gen - what and where is the Agentur??? Is it something at the finanzant or the KVR???

Neither. I typed Agentur but I should've typed Anstalt. The BfA, linked in your post above, has offices where you can go for free advice. Or via email.

"If you have any questions, please send them to us via the BfA-Mail Box, or email them to bfa@bfa.de. We'll be glad to deal with them in either English or French. Please ensure that if you do write to us, you include your German pension insurance number (Versicherungsnummer) or, if that is not available, your date of birth."

And if you write to the BfA, you will then be on their list and definitely be forced to pay it. They will answer questions, but I would recommend NOT giving them your details unless you are already paying.

The BfA takes 20% of your before tax income for a pension you will receive if you pay into it for more than 5 years. Of course, unless things change in Germany, that's is likely to be a whole lot of nothing when you finally retire. And if you pay into it for 5 years, you certainly aren't going to get the same pension you would if you paid into it for 46 years.

Thanks Gen - If I do write (as Showem suggested) I would not give them any details about me.

If I read it (English version of website) correctly I can wait up to 5 years after starting to work freelance before I have to register - this is what I am really trying to figure out - if this is indeed true as written on their site.

I will send an email from a newly created email so as not to give them my well used email address or any other info about me- hope they will answer me back

Just a few quick things about the BFA

1. The English version of the website is gone - have not been able to find it - if anyone does, please pass the link along to the rest of us

2. The BFA will answer your emails ONLY if you provide them with your name and tax number - which of course is stupid - they say it is a "security thing" as they do not want someone "intercepting" their information - yeah right!!!

Anyway, just thought I would pass along.

So is there anything new on this topic. I've been working as a freelancer for 3 years and would like to know what the go is from other people who know a bit more about it.

The issue has been discussed at length here.

http://p219.ezboard.com/belt

(english teachers discussion board)

Hi,
As far as I know the rule is that if you have your own private pension insurance which was taken out before 1998 (which is when this law came into force I believe) I believe you are exempt.
In-Situ