Berlin.
In 2022, net pensions rose more than they had in years. Nevertheless, many pensioners should be able to afford less.
Pensioners in Germany had significantly more money in their pockets last year. As the German pension insurance confirmed on Tuesday, the net pensions (i.e. after deductions) rose more strongly in 2022 than in years. But because the cost of living has become much more expensive, the bottom line is that many retirees can now afford less rather than more.
According to the information, the average pension paid out has increased by 63 euros to 1152 euros per month since July. Men received an average of 1276 euros, which corresponded to an increase of 68 euros. Women received an average of 1,060 euros, which was 59 euros more than before.
The average net widow’s pension rose from 512 to 540 euros, the widower’s pension from 374 to 396 euros. These figures refer to women and men who do not receive any other old-age pension.
Pension: Strong increase in pensions in 2022 will ensure a net plus
The statistics take into account all pension benefits – i.e. in addition to the old-age pension, also disability pensions and widow’s pensions. The main reason for the sharp increase is the sharp increase in pensions in mid-2022: Previously, pensions rose by 5.35 percent in the west and by 6.12 percent in the east. In addition, the introduction of the basic pension for people with very low pensions and improvements for disability pensioners made themselves felt. Since 2013, the average pensions paid out have increased by more than a third.
A spokesman for the German pension insurance said on request: “The positive development makes the strength of the pay-as-you-go pension insurance even in times of crisis clear.”
Pension: Inflation was higher than the pension plus
However, the increase in net pensions must be put in relation to the increase in the general cost of living. In 2022, consumer prices shot up by 7.9 percent. Gas, electricity, fuel and food rose particularly sharply. This was a consequence of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. For the current year, the federal government expects an inflation rate of six percent.
The left-wing faction in the Bundestag called for an extraordinary increase in pensions by ten percent on Tuesday. Group leader Dietmar Bartsch told our editorial team that 2022 was often a black year for pensioners. He added: “The pension increase does not even begin to compensate for the prices for energy and food. The order of the day would be an extraordinary pension increase of ten percent, which compensates for the loss of prosperity.” In addition, the pension level must be permanently raised to 53 percent. “Many pensioners urgently need more money in their pockets,” Bartsch warned.
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