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Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance)

Rentenbescheid (pension decision) received: what to check

What this letter means

In the Rentenbescheid (pension decision), the Rentenversicherung sets from when and how much pension you get. The calculation is in the attachments (Anlagen), mainly in the Versicherungsverlauf (insurance record) and in the calculation of the Entgeltpunkte (pension points).

Mistakes often happen when periods are missing: education, raising children, unemployment, illness or employment abroad. So check the Versicherungsverlauf line by line.

You can file a Widerspruch (objection) against the Rentenbescheid. If the Rentenversicherung finds no mistake, a Widerspruchsausschuss (objection committee) decides. After that, you can take the case to the Sozialgericht (social court).

What to do now

  1. 1Write down the date of the decision and work out when the deadline ends.
  2. 2Check the Versicherungsverlauf for gaps and wrong periods.
  3. 3Check the periods for raising children (Kindererziehungszeiten) and for education.
  4. 4Compare the periods of employment with your own documents, for example employment contracts and social insurance records.
  5. 5If you notice something, file a Widerspruch in time to keep the deadline, and send proof later.
  6. 6If anything is unclear, get help at an advice centre of the Rentenversicherung or from a Sozialverband (social association).
  7. 7Write 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)

If periods are missing or assessed wrongly. Give your Versicherungsnummer (insurance number), the date of the decision and the periods in dispute.

Template: Widerspruch gegen einen Bescheid (Jobcenter, Krankenkasse)

Apply for Akteneinsicht (inspection of your file)

If you want to check which reports and documents the Rentenversicherung has (§ 25 SGB X).

Template: Akteneinsicht bei einer Behoerde beantragen

Submit an Überprüfungsantrag (request for review)

If the deadline has passed. Back payments are possible for up to four years (§ 44 SGB X).

Common questions

Do I have to give reasons for the Widerspruch?

The law does not require reasons, but they are useful. Without reasons, the Rentenversicherung only does a general check.

Can my pension go down because of the Widerspruch?

The Rentenversicherung checks the decision again. If you are not sure whether your objections are correct, get advice before you file a Widerspruch.

What does a Widerspruch cost?

Nothing. A Widerspruch and a court action at the Sozialgericht are free of charge for insured persons.

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 84 SGG: Frist und Form des Widerspruchs
  2. § 37 SGB X: Bekanntgabe des Verwaltungsaktes
  3. § 44 SGB X: Rücknahme eines rechtswidrigen nicht begünstigenden Verwaltungsaktes
  4. § 25 SGB X: Akteneinsicht durch Beteiligte
  5. Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Rentenbescheid, Widerspruch und Klage (2026)
  6. Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Mein Rentenbescheid
  7. Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Rentenlexikon, Widerspruch

Research as of: 10 November 2026