📋 Application, medical report, assessment and pension notice
In brief
The pension insurance decides on reduced earning capacity based on medical documents. A findings report (Befundbericht) from your doctor is often needed. Sometimes there is an expert assessment (Gutachten).
You must cooperate in the assessment. Answer questionnaires, attend appointments and return documents on time.
The notice says: pension yes or no, type of pension, start and duration. Check it carefully. If your application is rejected, a short deadline applies.
Step by step
- Use the application formsRequest the forms from the pension insurance provider or submit the application with advice.
- Collect medical findingsCollect doctors' letters, discharge reports and diagnoses.
- CooperateAnswer enquiries and attend assessment appointments.
- Check the noticeCheck the type of pension, start, time limit and income offsetting.
Deadlines
- Doctors prepare findings reports and expert opinions in the pension procedure only at the request of the pension insurance.
- Ask the pension insurance provider in advance whether a findings report or an expert opinion is needed.
- A pension rejection for lack of cooperation can often be avoided: answer queries early.
- Strictly observe the deadline in the notice and in the objection procedure.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Forms
For the findings report in the pension procedure, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung names form S0051 (replaces earlier forms) and an annex to the pension application for determining reduced earning capacity (R0210). Findings reports and expert opinions are to be prepared only on request. The pension insurance recommends asking beforehand what the provider needs.
Assessment
The pension insurance carries out social-medical assessments according to uniform standards. What the assessor is to judge is the work capacity within the meaning of § 43 SGB VI, that is, how many hours a day are possible under the usual conditions of the general labour market. Details of the examination procedure and the obligation to attend (§§ 60 ff. SGB I) were not checked against the full text.
Notice
The notice states, among other things, the type of pension (full or partial reduction in earning capacity), pension start and the time limit. Objection: one month from notification under § 84 SGG, in writing, electronically or recorded in minutes at the authority. For further forms and details on the objection see the page in the group Berufsunfähigkeit.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.