Basic security in old age

In short: Basic security in old age and in case of reduced earning capacity secures living costs in Germany for people whose pension or income is not enough to live on. It is applied for at the social welfare office.

In more detail: Entitlement exists from reaching the standard retirement age or in case of permanent full reduced earning capacity.

In detail

• Means test: Income and assets are checked, a protected amount remains exempt.
• Scope of benefits: Standard requirement, reasonable housing costs and additional needs for special circumstances.
• Difference from pension: The statutory pension is earned through contributions, basic security is tax-financed.
• No recourse to children: Since a change in the law, low-income children no longer have to provide support.
• Applying: Done at the local social welfare office, often with support from welfare associations.
• Hidden poverty: Many entitled people do not apply for the benefit out of shame, even though they would qualify.
• Connection: Supplements retirement provision when it is not sufficient (altersvorsorge-gesetzliche-rente-betriebsrente-und-private-vorsorge).