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Pension payments on hold until verified existence: potential scenarios

Unverified claims regarding German pensions are spreading across social media platforms. The pension insurance authorities are now addressing these doubts.

Pension denial without verifiable proof of life: potential scenarios
Pension denial without verifiable proof of life: potential scenarios

Pension payments on hold until verified existence: potential scenarios

The German Pension Insurance (DRV) has taken to clarifying false information circulating on social media, stating that retirees in Germany do not need to provide proof of life.

Contrary to a claim suggesting a new rule from August, the Pension Insurance does not require proof of life for the majority of its pension recipients. In fact, around 1.2 million pensions paid abroad are provided with proof of life automatically, thanks to data exchange agreements with responsible authorities in countries like Italy, Austria, Spain, and Australia.

However, for some pensioners living abroad, the Pension Insurance does require proof of life annually. The exact number of pensions paid in Germany that require proof of life is not specified.

The DRV has also addressed a rumour about Ukrainian refugees retiring in Germany. The Pension Insurance is yet to provide details on any changes in the process of providing proof of life for pensioners living abroad in the future.

It's worth noting that the Pension Insurance pays around 1.7 million pensions abroad, but the status of the remaining 0.5 million pensions in terms of proof of life remains unclear.

The German Pension Insurance is addressing this false claim as part of a fact-check. The Pension Insurance urges the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to avoid spreading misinformation.

Changes in pensions are expected in 2025, but for now, retirees in Germany can rest assured that they do not need to provide proof of life. The Pension Insurance will continue to provide updates as and when necessary.

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