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Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance)

Reha abgelehnt (rehabilitation refused): how to file a Widerspruch

What this letter means

The Rentenversicherung pays for medical rehabilitation if your ability to work (Erwerbsfähigkeit) is at risk or reduced and the Reha is expected to keep or improve it (§§ 9, 10 SGB VI).

A common reason for refusal: as a rule, medical Reha is only possible again four years after a similar measure, unless it is urgently needed earlier for health reasons (§ 12 Abs. 2 SGB VI).

You can file a Widerspruch (objection) against the refusal. Reasons are important, ideally based on current medical findings.

What to do now

  1. 1Write down the date of the decision and work out when the deadline ends.
  2. 2Read the reason for the refusal.
  3. 3Ask your doctor for a statement that responds exactly to this reason.
  4. 4File a Widerspruch in time to keep the deadline.
  5. 5Send the reasons and medical findings later, and give your Versicherungsnummer (insurance number) and the date of the decision.
  6. 6Write 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.

How you can reply

File a Widerspruch (objection)

With reasons and medical documents. There are no fees.

Template: Widerspruch gegen einen Bescheid (Jobcenter, Krankenkasse)

Apply for Akteneinsicht (inspection of your file)

If you want to see the expert opinion the refusal is based on.

Template: Akteneinsicht bei einer Behoerde beantragen

Common questions

I had Reha three years ago. Do I have no chance?

As a rule, there is a waiting period of four years. If earlier Reha is urgently necessary for health reasons, it is still possible (§ 12 Abs. 2 SGB VI). A doctor must explain why.

What should a good Widerspruch contain?

Your Versicherungsnummer, name, address, the date of the decision and your reasons. Respond to the reason for the refusal and attach current medical findings. Write it in German.

What happens after the Widerspruch?

If the Rentenversicherung agrees with you, you get an Abhilfebescheid (decision granting your objection). Otherwise, a Widerspruchsausschuss (objection committee) decides. You can take its decision to the Sozialgericht (social court).

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 84 SGG: Frist und Form des Widerspruchs
  2. § 9 SGB VI: Aufgabe der Leistungen zur Teilhabe
  3. § 10 SGB VI: Persönliche Voraussetzungen
  4. § 12 SGB VI: Ausschluss von Leistungen
  5. Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Reha- oder Rentenantrag abgelehnt, Widerspruch

Research as of: 10 November 2026