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Record Number of German Pensioners Rely on Social Assistance

Rising living costs alongside expanded benefit thresholds have driven a 3.2 percent increase in retiree social assistance this year.

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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

  • Official data show 742,410 German pensioners relied on Grundsicherung im Alter in March 2025, marking a 3.2 percent rise from a year earlier.
  • Since March 2021, reliance on basic social aid has climbed 30.3 percent, with 172,545 more beneficiaries than four years ago.
  • Women face higher risks of old-age poverty, making up a disproportionate share of Grundsicherung recipients.
  • Policy adjustments, including an extra income exemption and eligibility for Ukrainian retirees, have broadened access to support.
  • Sahra Wagenknecht has denounced the trend as a scandal, and the new federal government has prioritized pension reform to tackle growing elderly poverty.