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Apply for Rehabilitation Services (DRV)

Application to the German Pension Insurance for medical or vocational rehabilitation to restore the ability to work.

Processing: approx. 2 weeks
Success rate: 80.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the DRV

    Including medical records regarding the diagnosis and the course of treatment to date.

  2. 2

    Medical evaluation

    The DRV assesses the need for rehabilitation and the ability to undergo rehabilitation.

  3. 3

    Approval and Assignment of a Rehabilitation Clinic

    The DRV selects an appropriate facility; the individual has the right to request and choose.

Required documents

  • Medical ReportMandatory

    Current medical assessment of the need for rehabilitation.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 weeks

Official: max. approx. 3 weeks

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Rehabilitation application mistakenly classified as a pension application (can be reclassified)
  • • Medical records are not included in full

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Waiting period not met (usually a minimum of 15 years of insurance coverage for a disability pension)
  • • Rehabilitation is not likely to be successful or is not necessary

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Insured persons whose ability to work is at risk or impaired due to illness or accident.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 weeks

Success rate

approx. 80.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Rehabilitation application mistakenly classified as a pension application (can be reclassified)
  • •Medical records are not included in full

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Waiting period not met (usually a minimum of 15 years of insurance coverage for a disability pension)
  • •Rehabilitation is not likely to be successful or is not necessary

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

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