Please note: This information only is pertinent to Polish pension recipients who reside in the United States.
A number of Polish pension beneficiaries who live in the US have received a letter and form to complete from the German pension agency (known in Germany as “Deutsche Rentenversicherung,” or by its acronym, the “DRV”) asking for information about their US Social Security benefits. The DRV is sending this correspondence to those who receive a ghetto pension (known in Germany by the acronym “ZRBG”) on behalf of a late spouse. The reason the DRV is requesting this information is that there was a law passed in January, 2025, which allowed certain individuals who were previously excluded from collecting a Social Security pension to now become eligible to receive Social Security benefits. Since an increase in such benefits affects the amount of a ghetto pension paid to widowers, the DRV is asking for documentation of the beneficiary’s Social Security income. Most beneficiaries will not have been affected by this new law. However, the DRV still requires them to respond.
Bet Tzedek, a non-profit legal services organization in California that serves Holocaust survivors through its Holocaust Survivors Justice Network, has prepared a helpful fact sheet and guide that explains both this change and how to respond.
If beneficiaries need further help, they are welcome to contact us and we can provide appropriate guidance.
