Many are looking forward to their well-deserved retirement after many years of work. But then comes the sad awakening for some. The pension may not be as high as you had hoped.
For many older people, the pension is no longer sufficient to enjoy a carefree retirement. The good news, however, is that there is help in the form of grants. For the year 2023, financial support can be requested from the state as well as from health and nursing care insurance companies. Which grants are these exactly?
Retirees can apply for these grants
Pensioners can apply for the following grants in 2023:
- housing benefit plus
- basic security
- allowance
- burden allowance
- Personal contribution in the nursing home
- Housing benefit for the nursing home
Pension supplement: housing benefit plus
The housing benefit plus has been available since January 2023 and can also be applied for by pensioners. In contrast to the housing benefit, the monthly subsidy increases to an average of 370 euros. The amount of the payment is based on the housing costs in comparison to the income and in comparison to the housing costs of the municipality. Anyone who spends around 40 percent of their income on rent should apply for housing benefit. A heating cost subsidy can also be applied for in this context and was previously at 50 percent.
basic security
People who only receive a very small monthly pension can also apply for basic security. Pensioners who have less than 853 euros per month to use should submit an application. Even people who have never worked can apply for basic security.
Pension supplements: basic pension and allowance
Around 1.1 million basic pension supplements are currently being paid out. Pensioners receive an average of 86 euros more per month. However, this subsidy does not have to be applied for, it is paid out automatically. The prerequisite is that the people have paid into the pension fund for 35 years and have received less than 80 percent of the average income during their working life. Anyone who has worked or paid in for less than 35 years can receive part of the supplement.
There is also an allowance of 251 euros. This is available to everyone whose pension is at least 515 euros and who have collected at least 33 basic pension periods. In the case of housing benefit, however, this exemption only applies if the times have been confirmed by the pension fund.
Grants for pensioners: Burden grant
Pensioners who have their own house can apply for a subsidy. The level of support depends on the following factors:
- the number of people living in the same household
- Amount of income of the entire household
- Amount of the eligible charges for the owner-occupied home.
If you still have to pay off a loan for a property, you can also state the repayment as housing costs.
Grants for pensioners: own contribution in the nursing home
For anyone who does not receive enough pension to pay their own contribution to the nursing home, the social welfare office can be asked for support. The Social Welfare Office then covers these costs.
Before the office steps in, all income and other assets must first be used. The pensioners are only allowed to keep a so-called protective asset.
For further reading: Significant pension increases, an end to double taxation and the like – what will change when it comes to pensions?
