Cancel Your DB Pension Fund? Options & Alternatives

"Canceling" usually means stopping deferred compensation or making contributions optional—an immediate payout is strictly limited by law.
Lump-sum payment instead of a cash payout: Before retirement begins, any money (if any at all) is typically paid out only in accordance with the rules governing lump-sum payments (small amounts/special cases)
Changing jobs? A transfer is possible—but often only within 12 months after the employment relationship ends.

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Can I really cancel my Deutsche Bahn pension fund?

At DB, the pension fund is a main pillar of the company's retirement plan.

A pension fund agreement is typically entered into between an employer and a pension provider —it is not a traditional “private contract” that you can terminate unilaterally, like a subscription.

If you want to “cancel” your Deutsche Bahn pension fund, in practice this almost never involves an immediate payout, but rather a suspension of contributions, an exemption from contributions, or a transfer. A true payout is legally possible only in very limited exceptional cases—and can have significant tax and health insurance implications.

If you want to get out, there are three clean ways to do it:

Contribution Suspension / Contribution Exemption (most common case):

You can terminate your deferred compensation plan through the Human Resources department. The contract remains in effect but will no longer accrue benefits. Your existing pension entitlements will generally be preserved provided you meet the legal requirements (e.g., age 21 or older and a minimum commitment period of 3 years).

Transfer upon a change of employer:

You can request that the transfer value be transferred to your new employer or provider—typically within one year after the end of your employment (and subject to additional requirements, such as the limits set by the BBG). If the new employer is not a “good fit,” a contribution exemption is a common alternative (e.g., this is how DEVK generally describes it for occupational pension arrangements).

Severance Pay/Payment:

Before retirement begins, a payout is generally permitted only as a lump-sum settlement and only under strict conditions. Starting in 2026, small-amount limits will apply (e.g., 1.5% of the reference amount or 18/10 for lump-sum payments). Another new provision is a mutually agreed-upon lump-sum payment of up to 2%/24 tenths if the amount is paid directly into the statutory pension insurance system (i.e., not as cash into your account).

Our Team for Railroad Employees

For us, personalized advice on an equal footing is more than just a promise—it’s part of our DNA. Our advisors not only know how company pensions work, but above all, what they mean for you as a railway employee. Many of them come from the railway industry themselves. Some are also closely connected to the rail industry in other ways. They understand your day-to-day work and speak your language. We think that’s important! Because who else understands you quite as well? That’s right! No one!

Whether you have questions about payment options, tax benefits, or how to best structure your DB company pension—we’ll take the time to help you. We’re reliable, knowledgeable, and approachable.

Service Hotline

030 666 43 225

Service Hotline

030 666 43 225

As a railway insurer—an agency within the DEVK network—we advise railway employees on suitable solutions related to DBplus and other forms of retirement planning. Our specialization allows us to offer attractive special rates for Deutsche Bahn employees.

DEVK is the employee benefits organization of Deutsche Bahn; we represent DEVK as a DBplus partner. Our DBplus-certified advisors, as part of the DEVK network, are thoroughly familiar with the specific needs and opportunities for railway employees.

Taxes & Social Security Contributions: The Catch with “Payouts”

Benefits from occupational pension plans are generally treated as other income for tax purposes (see, among others, Section 22(5) of the Income Tax Act (EStG)) and are taxed on a deferred basis during the payout phase.
If you have statutory health insurance, the following also applies: A lump-sum payment is treated by the health insurance provider as 1/120 per month —for a maximum of 120 months.

Canceling the Deutsche Bahn Pension Fund – Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1Can I “just have the DB pension fund paid out” to me?

No, it is usually not possible to terminate the contract in the traditional way, as you would with a standard savings account. The Deutsche Bahn Pension Fund is part of the company pension plan (bAV). These contracts are generally designed to run until retirement. In many cases, however, you can: Make the policy premium-free transfer it when changing employers or receive the payment when the pension begins Early withdrawal is possible only in certain exceptional cases.

2What happens to my pension fund if I leave Deutsche Bahn?

If you no longer work for Deutsche Bahn, you will retain the benefits you have already accrued. You’ll usually have three options: 1️⃣ Let the plan continue without making contributions 2️⃣ Transfer it to your new employer 3️⃣ Continue saving privately Which option makes the most sense depends on your new job and the terms of your contract.

3How can I suspend contributions to my Deutsche Bahn pension fund?

A contribution suspension is the most common option if you no longer wish to continue making contributions to the plan. Here’s how to proceed: Contact the provider or administrator Request a contribution suspension form Sign and submit the application Wait for confirmation Your existing capital remains invested and continues to grow until retirement.

4What taxes apply to the Deutsche Bahn Pension Fund?

The tax treatment depends on when you entered into the contract. As a general rule: Contributions are often tax- and social security-contribution-free Payouts upon reaching retirement age are subject to tax You may also be required to pay health and long-term care insurance premiums That’s why it’s often worth seeking personalized advice before making any changes to your contract.

5Is it even worth quitting?

In many cases, no. The Deutsche Bahn Pension Fund offers several advantages: tax incentives potential employer contributions long-term wealth accumulation protection against early withdrawal That is why suspending contributions or adjusting them often makes more sense than terminating the plan.

6Who can help me with the Deutsche Bahn Pension Fund?

If you're unsure, you should contact: your insurance advisor Deutsche Bahn's Human Resources Department or a financial advisor who specializes in serving railroad employees turn. A professional analysis can reveal: whether it's worth giving notice what alternatives are available and how to optimize your retirement planning.

Advice and Support

We know how demanding your day-to-day work at the railroad can be. And that’s exactly why we offer solutions that are tailored to you—whether you work early or late shifts, part-time, or are on parental leave. Your retirement plan should adapt to you, not the other way around. Let’s work together to secure your future and discuss it in person. We look forward to your call. Together, we’ll lay the groundwork you can rely on later in life. And that sounds promising, doesn’t it?

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030 666 43 225

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