Start of retirement: documents and processing time - what you need to know

Start of retirement: documents and processing time - what you need to know

The transition from working life to retirement is often marked by mixed emotions. Farewell gifts and good wishes accompany the last day of work, while the next day a new phase of life as a pensioner begins. But before the monthly pension is paid, a pension application must be submitted. This requires certain documents such as the pension insurance number, personal documents, tax identification number, account details, health insurance information and birth certificates of children.

Processing a pension application can take some time. According to the German Pension Insurance (DRV), the application should be submitted three months before the start of the pension. The average processing time for new applications for old age pensions was around 52 days in 2023. It is recommended to submit the application early to avoid payment gaps.

The completeness of the documents submitted has a significant impact on the time it takes to process the application. Missing evidence of periods of training, periods of unemployment or periods of illness can lead to delays. It is advisable to clarify your accounts early in order to close possible insurance gaps. This can be done by providing additional evidence in order to ultimately receive a higher pension.

Even if the account clarification and application processing have not yet been completed at the start of the pension, no money is lost. The old-age pension will be paid retroactively as soon as all formalities have been completed. It is important to take care of all the necessary documents early on to ensure a smooth start to retirement.