As of: February 20, 2024, 7:58 a.m
By: Lisa Mayerhofer
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Many people only receive a meager pension in old age.
They are often entitled to basic security - but many are afraid to apply.
Berlin – Millions of people in Germany receive basic security in old age.
This applies if you receive no or too little pension payment and have hardly any other financial resources to live on.
The application process is considered complicated and rigid - but basic security can also be a great help for seniors at risk of poverty in old age.
An overview.
Small pension: Many people who are entitled do not take advantage of their right to basic security
Basic security in old age has been criticized for a long time because it has a deterrent effect on those in need, according to the accusation.
Johannes Geyer from the German Institute for Economic Development (DIW) explained to Bild
some time ago
: “Around 60 percent of people of retirement age who are eligible do not take advantage of this.” This is what an older DIW study suggests.
Those affected would shy away from the effort involved in such an application
And even now, many people who are entitled to benefits still shy away from going to the social welfare office, said Margret Böwe, a consultant at the social association VdK, to
Stern
.
“The controls are very strict.
To do this, pensioners must fully disclose their personal circumstances.
Some also fear that the social welfare office will take something away from them or their children,” explained Böwe.
More and more pensioners in Germany are dependent on basic security.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO/snapshot-photography/T.Seeliger
However, if you have a small pension, it is worth getting basic information beforehand and finding out whether you are entitled to basic security.
We take a look at the service that is actually intended to curb poverty in old age.
Who is entitled to basic security?
Adults who are unable to sustainably support themselves from their own income and assets can, under certain conditions, claim basic security in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity in accordance with Book Twelfth of the Social Security Code (SGB XII).
In addition, the applicants must of course have reached retirement age or be permanently completely disabled and at least 18 years old.
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The German Pension Insurance (DRV) has a first rule of thumb when it comes to financial circumstances: “If your total income is below 924 euros, you should have it checked whether you are entitled to basic security.”
Which assets are counted and which are not?
But then comes the point that makes it difficult for many people to apply: Before there is a right to basic security, existing assets, including securities, savings assets, cars and real estate, must be used up.
This regulation could deter many people who have fewer financial resources at their disposal in old age or who are dependent on a disability pension due to illness.
However, there are also exceptions: For example, savings assets of 10,000 euros for single people and 20,000 euros for spouses or life partners are not taken into account.
Likewise, an “appropriate” home or an apartment you use yourself is not counted as assets.
Small pension: How high is the basic security?
The amount of basic security you receive depends not only on your assets but also on your income.
The income of the permanent partner is also taken into account.
Income includes, among other things, earned income, maintenance payments from parents or children, parental allowance over 300 euros, rental and lease income, child benefit, sickness benefit and interest.
Pensions and pensions of all kinds, including the Riester pension, are also taken into account.
The basic security, which at most corresponds to the citizen's allowance, is intended to ensure the minimum subsistence level.
In 2024 it could therefore be 563 euros for single people and 506 euros for partners in a marriage or cohabitation.
Myths about basic security: Do you have to move out of your house?
Seniors are particularly concerned about two points when applying: that they have to live in an appropriate apartment - and what consequences that has.
As a rule, a house of 90 square meters or an apartment of 80 square meters is considered appropriate for two people.
There are also exceptions for cases of hardship, such as a need for care.
And what if you don't meet these specifications?
Böwe from the VdK reassured in
Stern
: “No one will be forced to move out of their apartment.
The social welfare office cannot terminate them either.
It’s just that in such a case it won’t cover the full rental costs in the long run.”
Myths about basic security: Does the young generation have to pay in the end?
Another concern of those affected is their own offspring: Can the authorities force them to pay for their parents?
“This is a big fear that parents still have in their minds,” Böwe told the magazine.
“But as long as the offspring are not among the top earners, the welfare state cannot reach them.” The offspring only have to pay maintenance if they earn more than 100,000 euros in taxable income per year - because then the parents are no longer entitled to basic security.
Do I have to submit an application?
Basic security is a separate social benefit and must be applied for at the social welfare office.
This requires your ID, pension certificate, proof of income and assets as well as proof of social security.
Alternatively, the application can also be submitted to the German pension insurance, which will then forward it to the responsible office.
After approval of the application and approval of the basic security payment, it is valid for one year.
After these twelve months have expired, a new application must be submitted in order to continue to be entitled to basic security.
A new application must therefore be submitted every year.