Overview
- Median net equivalized income for people 65+ in retirement is €1,990 per month versus about €2,300 for the total population, with the top retiree quintile above roughly €2,870.
- Retiree incomes rose 9% from 2021 to 2024 compared with an 11% rise for all residents, and an IMK economist notes mid‑2024 and July 2025 pension increases could further narrow the gap.
- Households composed solely of retirees derive about 92% of their income from pensions and pension‑like payments, leaving little from work or assets.
- Women 65+ receive on average €1,720 in gross monthly retirement income versus €2,320 for men, a 25.8% gender pension gap that widens to 36.9% when survivor benefits are excluded.
- Basic old‑age support reached about 739,000 recipients at end‑2024 (+7.1% year over year, +31% since 2020), fueling debate over the proposed ‘Aktivrente’ to allow up to €2,000 tax‑free earnings.