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3d ago

Over 742,000 German Pensioners Depend on Basic Security Benefit

Political leaders are pushing for pension reform following a surge in retirees whose incomes lag living costs.

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Die Zahl der Rentner in Deutschland, die für ihr Auskommen auf Grundsicherung angewiesen sind, steigt weiter an. Im März dieses Jahres waren 742.410 Rentner auf die zusätzliche Sozialleistung "Grundsicherung im Alter" angewiesen, wie laut "Bild"-Zeitung aus Zahlen des Statistischen Bundesamtes hervorging.
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Overview

  • Destatis data show 742,410 retirees received Grundsicherung im Alter in March 2025, marking a 3.2% increase from the year before.
  • Between March 2021 and March 2025, the number of recipients climbed 30.3% after the 2021 Grundrente regulation widened eligibility.
  • Demographic aging and rising living costs have outpaced stagnant pension growth, pushing more seniors below the social assistance threshold.
  • Broader eligibility rules, including higher income exemptions and extending benefits to Ukrainian pensioners, have further boosted uptake.
  • Women make up a disproportionate share of beneficiaries, prompting figures like Sahra Wagenknecht to denounce the trend as scandalous and urge systemic reform.