Can pension-related childcare credits close the motherhood pension gap?
The fifth ECPD Policy Insight, authored by Sarah Schmauk and Michaela Kreyenfeld, explores the role of pension-related childcare credits in improving mothers’ public pension entitlements in East and West Germany.
The results show that these credits have substantially improved mothers’ pensions, but significant gaps remain. In West Germany, where employment interruptions after childbirth are often longer, pension credits alone cannot close the gap. In East Germany, earlier returns to employment and broader childcare provision lead to more favourable pension outcomes.
The key message is clear: pension credits are effective, but must be accompanied by affordable childcare and family-friendly workplaces that support continuous employment.
With its fifth publication, the ECPD Policy Insight series is now well underway.
Read the full ECPD Policy Insight here.
Discover all ECPD Policy Insights published to date here.
This post was written by Sarah Schmauk.