Letter from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance): Bescheid, Kontenklärung, Reha

The Renteninformation (pension information) and the Rentenauskunft (pension statement) are not decisions. You cannot file a Widerspruch (objection) against them. A Widerspruch is only possible against a Bescheid, for example a Rentenbescheid, the refusal of Reha, or a Feststellungsbescheid (decision confirming the data) on your insurance account. You can recognise a Bescheid by the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (information on legal remedies, usually at the end of the letter).

You should still report mistakes in your Versicherungsverlauf (insurance record) early, even if the letter is not a Bescheid. Later, the proof is often missing.

If you live in Germany, you have one month. If you live abroad, you have three months (§ 84 Abs. 1 SGG). A decision sent by post counts as delivered on the fourth day after it was posted (§ 37 Abs. 2 SGB X). The deadline cannot be extended.

The Widerspruch must be submitted in writing, online through the online services of the Rentenversicherung, or in person at an Auskunfts- und Beratungsstelle (information and advice centre), where it is written down for you (zur Niederschrift). A Widerspruch and a court action (Klage) are free of charge. At the Sozialgericht (social court) you do not need a lawyer.

After the deadline has passed, you can still submit an Überprüfungsantrag (request for review) under § 44 SGB X. Benefits that were wrongly not paid are then paid for up to four years back (§ 44 Abs. 4 SGB X).

Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

The Rentenversicherung gives free advice in its Auskunfts- und Beratungsstellen and on its service phone line. Free or low-cost help is available from social associations (Sozialverbände) such as VdK or SoVD (for members). If you have little money, you can apply at the Amtsgericht (local court) for a Beratungsschein, a voucher for advice from a lawyer (Beratungshilfe under the Beratungshilfegesetz). For insured persons and benefit recipients, a Widerspruch and a court case at the Sozialgericht (social court) cost no court fees (§ 183 SGG).