Overview

• An official poverty-and-wealth report released Thursday finds people over 65 are on average financially stronger than many others, with a median annual income of €25,678.
• Statistisches Bundesamt reports the median monthly income for retirees rose from €1,820 in 2021 to €1,990 in 2024 (+9%), while the overall population’s median reached €2,300 (+11%).
• About 20% of retirees manage on at most €1,400 net per month, and a further fifth have up to roughly €1,790, underscoring sizable gaps within the group.
• Only 3.6% of retirees drew basic income support at the end of 2023, even as welfare groups warn of growing old-age poverty risks.
• Retiree incomes rely chiefly on pensions (66.3%) with limited earnings (11.5%), and comparisons to the Netherlands’ top-ranked system continue to shape reform debates.