0 €, 0 €, 0 €, Ca. 8% der Rente, 0 €, 0 €

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Lücken im Rentenkonto können zu weniger Rente führen. Prüfe frühzeitig!

Applying for pension in Essen – Fristen & Checkliste

Step 1

Check pension account

Check your pension account for completeness. Missing periods can reduce your pension!

⚠️Gaps in your pension account can lead to less pension. Check early!

⏰ 3-6 months before retirement💰 0 €

📄 Required Documents

ID card(Required)

Valid ID – for identity verification when applying

Pension insurance number(Required)

12-digit number – on social security card or pension information

💡 Tips

Account clarification possible online via DRV eService
Child-rearing periods are credited
Periods abroad can also count
Pension information comes annually from age 27

Check pension account online↗

Step 2

Schedule consultation

Get free advice from German Pension Insurance. DRV Rheinland is responsible for Essen.

⚠️Appointments are often booked weeks in advance. Plan early!

⏰ 6-12 months before planned retirement💰 0 €

📄 Required Documents

ID card(Required)

Valid ID – for identity verification when applying

Pension information(Optional)

Annual letter from DRV – comes automatically from age 27 with 5 contribution years

💡 Tips

DRV Rheinland responsible for Essen
Advisory office: Online search at deutsche-rentenversicherung.de
Free hotline: 0800 1000 4800
Online appointments and video consultation available

Book consultation online↗

Step 3

Apply for pension

🚨

Frist: 3 months before retirement · Apply too late = pension starts later! Retroactively max. 3 months.

You should submit your pension application about 3 months before your desired retirement date.

📄 Required Documents

ID card(Required)

Valid ID – for identity verification when applying

Pension insurance number(Required)

12-digit number – on social security card or pension information

Bank details (IBAN)(Required)

IBAN of your current account – for monthly pension payment

Tax ID(Required)

11-digit number – on tax notice or available from BZSt

💡 Tips

Online application is fastest
Standard retirement age: 67 years (for those born 1964+)
With 45 contribution years: 2 years earlier without deductions
Early retirement possible from 63

Apply for pension online↗

Step 4

Clarify health insurance

As a retiree, you usually stay in statutory health insurance (KVdR).

⚠️Privately insured: Check if switch to statutory insurance is possible!

⏰ Before retirement💰 Ca. 8% der Rente

📄 Required Documents

Pension decision(Required)

From DRV – shows gross pension for tax return

💡 Tips

KVdR: Contribution approx. 8% of gross pension
Plus nursing care insurance approx. 3-4%
With multiple pensions: contributions from all
Voluntarily insured: apply for KVdR

✓ Contact health insurance↗

Step 5

Inform employer

Inform your employer in good time about your retirement date.

⚠️Observe notice periods! Up to 7 months depending on length of service.

⏰ According to employment contract💰 0 €

📄 Required Documents

Employment contract(Required)

Your employment contract – contains notice periods and retirement regulations

💡 Tips

Written resignation required
Don't forget company pension/direct insurance
Use up remaining vacation or have it paid out
Request employment reference

✓ Check notice periods↗

Step 6

Taxes in retirement

Pensions are also taxable! The taxable portion depends on the year of retirement.

⚠️Retirees may need to file tax returns.

⏰ Annually by July 31💰 0 €

📄 Required Documents

Pension decision(Required)

From DRV – shows gross pension for tax return

💡 Tips

Retirement start 2024: 83% of pension taxable
From 2040: 100% taxable
Basic allowance 2024: €11,604 (single)
ELSTER: free online tax return

ELSTER tax return↗

Retirement & Pension in Essen

Check pension account

📄 Required Documents

Schedule consultation

📄 Required Documents

Apply for pension

📄 Required Documents

Clarify health insurance

📄 Required Documents

Inform employer

📄 Required Documents

Taxes in retirement

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Topics