A record number of individuals over the statutory retirement age in Germany are now receiving basic income support, according to recently released data from the Federal Statistical Office. As of March 2025, 742,410 individuals aged above the standard retirement age were in receipt of this financial assistance, marking a rise from the 738,840 recorded in 2024. This figure represents a continuing upward trend observed over recent years.
The data surfaced following a written inquiry by Sarah Vollath, a Member of the Bundestag and spokesperson for retirement and old-age security policy for the Left party. The statistics reveal a disproportionate representation of women among basic income support recipients, accounting for approximately 57% – over 420,000 individuals – compared to all pensioners.
Vollath has described the figures as a “clear warning signal” highlighting the inadequacy of state pensions for an increasing number of citizens in a wealthy nation. The Left party is advocating for strengthening the statutory pension system and raising the pension level to 53%.
The Federal Government reports it is unable to provide information regarding the number of individuals eligible for the basic income support but not currently receiving it. Estimates suggest that historically, approximately 70% of eligible individuals have not applied for the support.
Criticism has been directed at the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry, with Vollath alleging a reluctance to acknowledge the reality of old-age poverty. She asserts the government is shifting responsibility to various entities including the pension insurance system, social welfare organizations at the district and urban levels and welfare associations, rather than taking direct action to support vulnerable pensioners. The Ministry, according to Vollath, has not been able to identify any specific measures it has implemented to address the issue, a situation she deemed “a true indictment”.
