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Germany Records 742,000 Pensioners on Basic Security as Reform Deadline Approaches

A five-part reform package due by late autumn 2025 proposes financing measures to address rising old-age poverty.

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Annica Gehlen vom Deutschen Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW) arbeitet zu, Arbeitsmarkt und zur Rente. Den Boomer-Soli“ hat sie mitentwickelt.

Overview

  • In March 2025, a record 742,000 pensioners relied on basic security benefits, marking an increase of 178,000 since 2020.
  • Foreign pensioners represent 35% of basic-security recipients, with nearly 98,000 Ukrainians now supported—a fivefold rise from 2020.
  • Germany’s statutory pension outlays reached €408.2 billion in 2024, making it the largest component of the federal social budget.
  • Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has pledged a five-part reform package by late autumn 2025 to secure the 48% replacement rate and expand early-start and activation pensions.
  • Debate intensifies over linking retirement age to individual work histories and a DIW-proposed Boomer-Soli levy on high pensions to subsidize low-income retirees.