Pension Advice — Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about how I work
Below are the questions clients ask me most often. They should give you a clear sense of what I do, what it involves and where I can help — before you get in touch.
Pension advice is a decisive step in planning your financial future. Typical questions include: what is the difference between the statutory pension and private provision? How do I make the most of the entitlements I already have? My aim is to help you decide on a sound basis and to stay with you through the process. At Rentenberatung & Social Security Advisory Milena Schmidt, my priority is that every client gets the best possible information and support for their pension situation.
What "Rentenberatung" means in Germany
Rentenberatung is a regulated legal profession, not a financial service. A Rentenberaterin is admitted only after proving specialist expertise in pension and social insurance law, and is entered in the national register of legal services providers (Rechtsdienstleistungsregister). The admission carries the right to represent clients before the pension institutions and the social courts.
Two things follow from that. I am independent — not employed by, paid by or bound to any pension institution, insurer or bank, and I sell no products. And I can act for you, not just advise you: filing applications, lodging objections and representing you in proceedings.
Insight into my advisory work
In this article I answer fundamental questions about my work as a Rentenberaterin. I cover topics such as consultation fees, the documents you will need and how a consultation proceeds, in the interest of full transparency.
What does a consultation cost?
The cost of a consultation depends on several factors, including the scope and complexity of your case. As a rule, I offer transparent prices that are discussed with you in advance.
Which documents do I need?
To provide well-founded advice, I need various documents. These include, for example, pension decisions (Rentenbescheide), proof of income and any relevant insurance records.
How does a consultation work?
The consultation process is structured and transparent. In an initial meeting we establish your individual situation and your needs, before I present you with tailored proposals.
Why pension advice?
Professional pension advice helps you take account of every relevant aspect of your retirement provision. I provide you with valuable information and support, so that you can make informed decisions about your future.
Discover my advisory services
Here you will find a visual overview of my advisory services, supported by simple illustrations. These images help make the complex topics of pension advice easier to understand.
Account Clarification
Kontenklärung
I review your insurance account with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung and ensure it is complete and correct — including periods abroad, education, child-raising and gaps. The earlier this is done, the more evidence still exists.
Pension applications
Rentenanträge
Old-age, reduced-earning-capacity and survivors' pensions, filed correctly and with complete supporting documents. For international careers, I also ensure the application reaches the right institution in the right country.
Contribution refunds
Beitragserstattung
I assess whether a refund is legally open to you and whether it makes financial sense. A refund returns only your own employee share and dissolves your insurance relationship — every period you built in Germany is then gone for good.
Pension decisions/ objections
Rentenbescheid und Widerspruch
I check your pension decision calculation by calculation and, where it is wrong, draft and file the objection. The deadline is one month from delivery, so it is worth bringing it to me early.