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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.

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.