Germany sees surge in retirees on social assistance, especially in the east

The number of German retirees receiving basic security (Grundsicherung) has risen sharply. Nationwide 771,275 pensioners now rely on social assistance, an increase of more than 7,000 in the last three months, almost 30,000 compared with the previous year and about 180,000 over the past four years. The growth is most pronounced in the eastern states: Saxony recorded 21,490 recipients in March, up 1,600 year‑on‑year; Saxony‑Anhalt 11,835, up roughly 800; and Thuringia 9,510, up about 900. Women are over‑represented among those receiving aid. The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) highlighted that official figures likely underestimate need, citing shame and complex application procedures as reasons many eligible retirees do not claim benefits. BSW candidate Thomas Schulze warned that the planned pension reform could hit eastern Germans hardest, removing the possibility of a discount‑free retirement after 45 years of work. The data have ignited debate over pension policy and social‑security adequacy across Germany.