Overview
- From January 1, the Aktivrente lets pensioners keep up to €2,000 a month in earnings tax‑free, a tax bonus designed to encourage longer work beyond the statutory age.
- A ruling by the Landessozialgericht Baden‑Württemberg (L 13 R 1262/25) confirms the pension insurer may withhold up to 50% of a monthly benefit to reclaim overpayments so long as the subsistence minimum remains intact.
- In the decided case, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung recouped €2,397.96 by retaining €200 per month, while an added €12 dunning fee was found unlawful due to low income protection rules.
- Buying pension points becomes costlier in 2026 as the reference wage rises to €51,944, with voluntary contributions ranging roughly from €112 to €1,572 per month and each point yielding about €42.17 in monthly pension.
- A government commission is drafting reform options due by mid‑2026, with ideas under discussion including a contribution‑years model tied to roughly 45 years and potential new revenue from capital and rental income, as surveys report widespread concern about future adequacy.