The Pension Commission established by the federal government is reportedly considering making the division of benefits from the statutory pension insurance mandatory for married partners. According to the commission’s schedule of future topics, which the business newspaper “Handelsblatt” reported on, this proposed pension splitting would automatically grant both partners half of all pension points they accumulate together. This measure is expected to primarily enhance the individual security of women. However, the 13 members of the commission, comprising politicians and academics, have not yet decided on a formal recommendation. Pairs have had the option to voluntarily split their pension claims since 2002. Nonetheless, this option is used by fewer than 1,000 couples each year because it is linked to strict requirements and can sometimes lead to financial disadvantages. This limitation particularly rules out the receipt of a survivor’s pension, such as a widow’s or widower’s pension, later on.
Politics
