The number of pensioners in Germany receiving basic social benefits reached a record 771.3 thousand by the first quarter of 2026
Quick Look
- By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the number of pensioners in Germany receiving basic social benefits for low-income people reached a record 771.3 thousand, which is 36.7% more than at the end of 2020.
- The growth among pensioners of foreign origin is especially noticeable: their number increased from 152.3 thousand to 279.3 thousand people (+83.3%) over the same period, including a more than fivefold increase in the number of Ukrainian pensioners - from 19.5 thousand to 106.9 thousand people.
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Why It Matters
Statistics show an increase in the number of pensioners receiving basic social benefits in Germany, with an emphasis on an increase in the share of foreign pensioners, including Ukrainians, since the end of 2020.
By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the number of German residents of retirement age receiving basic social benefits for low-income people reached a record 771.3 thousand people, writes the Bild newspaper, citing data provided by the German government.
“At the end of the first quarter of 2026, a total of approximately 771.3 thousand pensioners received basic social benefits. At the end of 2020, there were about 564.1 thousand. Thus, the number of recipients increased by 36.7% and reached a new record level,” the publication says.
According to information from the German authorities, provided at the request of Rene Springer, a deputy from the opposition party Alternative for Germany, in Germany the number of pensioners of foreign origin who depend on social support has increased especially noticeably. Since the end of 2020, it has increased from 152.3 thousand to 279.3 thousand people, that is, by 83.3%. Over the same period, among older German citizens, the number of recipients of basic social benefits increased from 411.8 thousand to 492 thousand people, or by 19.5%.
The publication also indicated that the number of Ukrainians of retirement age who depend on benefits has increased more than fivefold over a nearly six-year period - from 19.5 thousand to 106.9 thousand people.
Open Questions
- What measures is the German government planning to reduce the burden on the social system?
- How will the situation change with the growing number of Ukrainian pensioners in the context of ongoing migration flows?
- Which regions of Germany are most affected by the increase in the number of pensioners receiving social benefits?
