German pensions started before April 2004: paid in advance

German pensions that began before 1 April 2004 are still paid in advance. Section 272a of Social Code Book VI says they fall due at the start of the month and are paid on the last bank business day of the month before. The pension for January 2027 therefore arrives on 31 December 2026, the one for February 2027 on 29 January 2027. All later pensions have fallen under section 118 since 1 April 2004: payment at the end of the month the pension is for. On the bank statement both groups see their money on the same calendar day; only the month behind it differs. Under subsection 2, the old rhythm also continues when a new pension follows without a break, such as a standard old-age pension after a reduced earning capacity pension, or a widow's or widower's pension after the deceased partner's pension, provided that pension first began before April 2004. Your award notice tells you which rule applies to you.