Obtaining a German pension due to reduced earning capacity, known as Erwerbsminderungsrente, is also possible when the insured person currently lives in Poland and is being treated by Polish doctors.
However, proceedings before the German Pension Insurance Institution, known as Deutsche Rentenversicherung or DRV, are extensive and require not only the submission of the appropriate application, but also the proper presentation of the applicant’s employment history, insurance periods, course of treatment and current state of health.
MedicalAdvisor.pl comprehensively prepares and handles cases concerning German pensions due to partial or full reduction in earning capacity. We assist both people who are only planning to submit an application and patients whose proceedings before the DRV have already begun.
The entire cooperation process may be conducted remotely. The patient does not need to visit our office or contact German institutions independently.
What is a German pension due to reduced earning capacity?
A German pension due to reduced earning capacity may be granted to a person whose state of health no longer allows them to continue working to a full or sufficiently broad extent.
The DRV primarily assesses how many hours per day the person is able to work on the general labour market. The assessment concerns not only whether the person can continue performing their previous occupation, but also whether they are capable of taking up another type of employment adapted to their state of health.
Depending on the assessed capacity for work, the following may be granted:
- a pension due to full reduction in earning capacity – volle Erwerbsminderungsrente,
- a pension due to partial reduction in earning capacity – teilweise Erwerbsminderungsrente.
Having a diagnosed illness, undergoing surgery, receiving long-term treatment or being on sick leave does not automatically result in the granting of the benefit.
The proceedings must demonstrate how the illness actually affects the patient’s ability to work, maintain a specific working rhythm, concentrate, move around and perform everyday duties.
Who may apply for a German pension?
A German pension due to reduced earning capacity may be applied for, among others, by people who:
- worked and were covered by social insurance in Germany,
- have completed the required insurance and contribution periods,
- are unable to work to their previous extent due to illness or disability,
- ended their employment in Germany and returned to Poland,
- remain insured under the German system,
- receive German sickness benefit,
- are being treated by Polish doctors,
- have received correspondence or a request from the DRV,
- have received a refusal decision and wish to submit an appeal.
Each case requires an individual assessment. The mere fact of having worked in Germany does not automatically determine entitlement to the benefit. Both the insurance requirements and the patient’s current health situation must be examined.
Polish medical documentation is relevant in proceedings before the DRV
Many people are concerned that medical documentation prepared in Poland will not be taken into account by the German institution. This is not true.
The DRV may assess a person’s state of health on the basis of documentation issued by Polish doctors, specialist clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centres and rehabilitation facilities.
Relevant documents may include:
- hospital discharge summaries,
- magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography results,
- X-rays and ultrasound examination results,
- neurological documentation,
- orthopaedic documentation,
- psychiatric and psychological documentation,
- cardiological documentation,
- oncological documentation,
- laboratory test results,
- descriptions of procedures and operations,
- rehabilitation certificates,
- opinions issued by treating doctors,
- documentation concerning pain treatment,
- information about prescribed medication,
- sick leave certificates,
- certificates of incapacity for work,
- documents concerning sanatorium and rehabilitation treatment.
However, it is not sufficient to send the DRV a random collection of documents.
The documentation should be organised and presented in a manner that demonstrates the course of the illness, the treatment provided, the results achieved so far and the impact of the health problems on the patient’s ability to work and function in everyday life.
Comprehensive preparation of the application to Deutsche Rentenversicherung
MedicalAdvisor.pl prepares the documentation required in proceedings concerning a German pension due to reduced earning capacity.
Depending on the patient’s individual circumstances, we prepare, among other things:
- the appropriate application to Deutsche Rentenversicherung,
- the forms required by the DRV,
- information concerning the patient’s state of health,
- a summary of the course of treatment,
- a list of doctors and medical facilities,
- information about hospital stays,
- details of operations and medical procedures,
- a description of previous rehabilitation,
- a list of prescribed medication,
- information concerning employment,
- details of the insurance record,
- information about periods of employment in Poland and Germany,
- additional explanations required by the DRV,
- responses to subsequent correspondence from the German institution.
We assess every case individually. The scope of the documentation depends, among other things, on the person’s insurance history, the nature of their work, their state of health, contribution periods and the documents already available to the patient.
We do not limit our assistance to the technical completion of forms. We also ensure that the information provided is consistent with the medical documentation and the patient’s actual circumstances.
Preparation of the description of the patient’s state of health
One of the most important elements of proceedings before the DRV is the proper presentation of the patient’s state of health.
The documentation should not contain only the names of illnesses and medical diagnoses. Their actual consequences must also be described.
Relevant factors may include:
- mobility limitations,
- difficulties walking or using stairs,
- pain that makes sitting or standing difficult,
- inability to remain in one position for an extended period,
- difficulties lifting and carrying objects,
- limited mobility of the limbs,
- reduced muscle strength,
- numbness and sensory disturbances,
- balance disorders,
- concentration problems,
- memory disorders,
- chronic fatigue,
- sleep disorders,
- depressive and anxiety symptoms,
- difficulties functioning under time pressure,
- limitations in contact with other people,
- the need for frequent rest breaks,
- side effects of prescribed medication,
- inability to work at a consistent pace,
- deterioration of health caused by physical exertion or stress.
A properly prepared description allows the DRV to understand more clearly how the illness affects the patient’s everyday life and their ability to perform regular work.
The importance of the patient’s previous occupation
The nature of the patient’s previous work is also relevant in the proceedings.
Different limitations will be relevant for a manual worker, construction worker or warehouse worker than for a driver, office worker, carer, nurse or person working shifts.
Therefore, when preparing the documentation, we analyse, among other things:
- the scope of professional duties,
- the need to lift and carry objects,
- work performed in forced body positions,
- prolonged sitting or standing,
- working at height,
- driving vehicles,
- shift or night work,
- responsibility for other people,
- the need for constant concentration,
- working under time pressure,
- contact with customers or patients,
- mental and physical strain.
This makes it possible to demonstrate why the current health problems make it impossible or significantly more difficult to continue working.
Translation of medical documentation into German
Documentation submitted to Deutsche Rentenversicherung should be clear and understandable both to the institution’s employee and to the doctor carrying out the medical assessment.
MedicalAdvisor.pl prepares translations of medical documentation and letters required during the proceedings.
We ensure the correct translation of:
- medical diagnoses,
- the course of treatment,
- names of medical procedures,
- examination results,
- medical recommendations,
- operation reports,
- names of medication,
- functional limitations,
- information concerning the prognosis,
- certificates and specialist medical opinions.
We arrange the documents chronologically and indicate which of them are of the greatest importance for assessing the patient’s capacity for work.
As a result, the documentation submitted to the DRV is consistent, clear and prepared in a way that facilitates its assessment.
Contact with Deutsche Rentenversicherung
The patient does not need to conduct correspondence in German independently.
As part of handling the case, we prepare letters to the DRV, respond to requests, supplement missing documentation and explain questions raised by the German institution.
We provide assistance, among other things, in cases involving:
- a request to supplement the application,
- a request for additional medical documentation,
- questions concerning treatment in Poland,
- a request to identify treating doctors,
- questions about previous employment,
- the need to supplement insurance periods,
- an invitation to attend a medical examination,
- correspondence with the assessing doctor,
- questions concerning rehabilitation,
- prolonged proceedings,
- a lack of information concerning the current status of the case,
- receipt of a refusal decision.
Where necessary, we also prepare requests for information about the current stage of the proceedings and about any missing documents required by the DRV to issue a decision.
Rehabilitation and proceedings concerning a German pension
During the proceedings, Deutsche Rentenversicherung may also assess whether appropriately selected medical or vocational rehabilitation could improve the patient’s health and capacity for work.
The issue of rehabilitation may arise before the pension application is submitted or while it is being considered. Each situation requires an individual assessment that takes into account the course of treatment, current health limitations, previous rehabilitation and prognosis.
MedicalAdvisor.pl assists in preparing an appropriate response to correspondence from the DRV and in preparing documentation concerning the patient’s state of health.
The detailed course of rehabilitation proceedings and their possible connection with a pension application will be presented in a separate article.
Medical examination and assessment of the patient’s state of health
The DRV may arrange for the documentation to be assessed by its own doctor or refer the patient for an additional medical examination.
A personal trip to Germany is not required in every case. The method of assessment depends on the patient’s individual circumstances, place of residence and the scope of documentation contained in the case file.
Before the examination, we help organise information concerning:
- the course of the illness,
- previous treatment,
- current symptoms,
- limitations in everyday life,
- the occupation performed,
- prescribed medication,
- previous operations,
- attempts to return to work,
- the ability to perform basic activities.
The patient should describe their state of health honestly and specifically, without minimising their symptoms but also without exaggerating them.
It is important to describe not only good days, but also how often periods of deterioration occur, how long they last and how they affect everyday functioning.
Prolonged proceedings before the DRV
Proceedings concerning a German pension may last for many months. During this time, the DRV may request additional documents, medical opinions or information concerning the patient’s employment and insurance history.
The absence of a decision does not always mean that the case has been left unprocessed. The institution may be waiting for medical documentation, information from other institutions or the result of a medical assessment.
MedicalAdvisor.pl helps establish the current status of the case and prepares letters requesting information concerning:
- the stage of the proceedings,
- the completeness of the documentation,
- missing forms,
- a planned medical examination,
- referral of the case for medical assessment,
- the expected further course of the proceedings.
As a result, the patient is not left without information and knows whether additional documents should be submitted.
Refusal of the pension – the possibility of submitting an appeal
Receiving a refusal decision does not always mean the end of the proceedings.
An appeal, known as a Widerspruch, may be submitted against a decision issued by Deutsche Rentenversicherung. The deadline for submitting the appeal is specified in the information on legal remedies included in the decision.
As part of the appeal proceedings, we analyse:
- the grounds for refusal,
- the findings of the assessing doctor,
- the capacity for work assumed by the DRV,
- documents that were not taken into account,
- illnesses that were incorrectly assessed,
- functional limitations that were not considered,
- current medical documentation,
- the possibility of obtaining additional specialist medical opinions.
We prepare a fact-based appeal in German and supplement the case with documents that may be relevant to a reassessment.
It is important to review the decision as soon as possible and not to exceed the deadline specified in the information on legal remedies.
Assistance for people permanently residing in Poland
The entire process is conducted remotely.
The patient does not need to live in Germany or visit German offices in person. We can prepare the documentation on the basis of submitted scans, examination results and information provided by telephone or electronically.
We assist people who:
- previously worked in Germany,
- returned to Poland due to illness,
- remain insured in Germany,
- receive German sickness benefit,
- have ended their employment,
- are currently receiving treatment in Poland,
- have documentation issued by Polish doctors,
- have received a request from the DRV,
- have received a refusal decision,
- do not know which forms they should submit,
- have difficulty conducting correspondence in German.
Online cooperation allows the entire procedure to be completed without personal visits and without the patient having to deal independently with complicated German documentation.
How does cooperation with MedicalAdvisor.pl work?
The first stage is an assessment of the patient’s circumstances and the documents they already possess.
We examine, among other things:
- periods of employment and insurance in Germany,
- previous correspondence with the DRV,
- medical documentation,
- the course of treatment,
- the type of work performed,
- the current employment situation,
- benefits received,
- previous rehabilitation proceedings,
- decisions previously issued.
We then indicate which documents still need to be collected. We prepare forms, translations, summaries and letters, and then provide the patient with a complete set of documents requiring their signature.
After the application has been submitted, we assist with the continued handling of the case. We respond to requests, supplement the documentation and prepare further letters to Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
The patient receives clear information about what must be signed, which documents must be submitted and what further steps may arise during the proceedings.
Which documents should be prepared?
The scope of the required documentation depends on the patient’s individual circumstances. However, before beginning cooperation, it is advisable to collect the following in particular:
- an identity document,
- the German insurance number,
- documents concerning employment in Germany,
- a notice of termination or employment certificate, if issued,
- correspondence with the German health insurance fund,
- previous correspondence with the DRV,
- sick leave certificates,
- hospital discharge summaries,
- examination results,
- certificates issued by specialist doctors,
- information concerning rehabilitation,
- a list of prescribed medication,
- decisions concerning other benefits,
- documents concerning an officially recognised degree of disability, if the patient possesses them.
The absence of some of the documents does not always prevent the case from being initiated. During the assessment, we indicate which materials are most important and what still needs to be supplemented.
Why is it worth using professional assistance?
Proceedings before Deutsche Rentenversicherung may last for many months and involve numerous forms, questions and requests to supplement the documentation.
Mistakes made at the beginning of the case may result in:
- prolonged proceedings,
- the need to submit additional explanations,
- important insurance periods being overlooked,
- an incomplete assessment of the patient’s state of health,
- failure to take all illnesses into account,
- incorrect presentation of occupational limitations,
- a decision being issued on the basis of incomplete documentation.
MedicalAdvisor.pl specialises in the comprehensive handling of cases before German health insurance funds and Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
We combine knowledge of German procedures with experience in analysing Polish medical documentation. As a result, the patient is not left alone with forms, translations, correspondence and the requirements of the German institution.
MedicalAdvisor.pl – comprehensive handling of German pension cases
We provide assistance from the initial assessment through to the completion of the proceedings.
We prepare, among other things:
- forms required by the DRV,
- a description of the patient’s state of health,
- a summary of the course of treatment,
- information concerning employment,
- translations of medical documentation,
- supplementary letters,
- responses to requests,
- requests for information concerning the status of the case,
- documentation concerning treatment and rehabilitation,
- appeals against refusal decisions.
The patient can focus on treatment and recovering the best possible level of functioning, while we handle the formalities, documentation and contact with German institutions.
Contact us:
MedicalAdvisor.pl Sp. z o.o.
Tel. +48 607 871 284
Email: kontakt@medicaladvisor.pl
We handle cases online throughout Poland and for people residing outside Poland.
