Record number of German pensioners rely on social aid

A growing number of pensioners in Germany are relying on social assistance, with the latest figures revealing that over three-quarters of a million retirees are currently receiving state support.

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Many pensioners do not apply for help out of shame or are only slightly above the threshold.

An inquiry by the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party to the Federal Statistical Office found that 771,275 pensioners are receiving social assistance. This represents an increase of nearly 30,000 from the previous year and almost 180,000 more than four years ago. The BSW noted that women are disproportionately affected by this trend.

BSW's lead candidate for the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Thomas Schulze, described these numbers as merely the "tip of the iceberg." He suggested that many pensioners refrain from applying for aid due to shame or because their income is only slightly above the threshold for receiving support. Schulze proposed that Germany adopt Austria's pension system, which he claims offers an average pension that is 800 euros higher and includes a minimum pension to protect individuals after decades of work.

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Because they only have the statutory pension.

Schulze also warned that the government's planned pension reform could particularly impact individuals in East Germany, who he stated are more likely to rely solely on statutory pensions, unlike many in West Germany who have private or occupational retirement provisions. He further criticized the proposed elimination of the "pension after 63" option, which allows individuals with 45 years of contributions to retire without deductions, calling it a "brutal pension cut."

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brutal pension cut