Over 60% of Female Retirees in Germany Live Below the Poverty Line.

Germany's Pension Crisis: A Deep Dive

According to Мінфін — Крипто/Фінанси: More than 60% of retired women in Germany receive a pension that falls below the poverty threshold, compared to 27.8% of men. This alarming disparity highlights a growing concern, as many seniors are forced to rely on additional income sources to cover basic living expenses.

According to recent data, over 60% of women who have retired in the Federal Republic of Germany receive a monthly pension of less than €1,446. In contrast, only 27.8% of male retirees fall below this threshold. Studies further reveal that 52.4% of women with at least 45 years of work experience receive a state pension that still does not reach the poverty line. Meanwhile, 23.6% of men with the same length of service receive pensions below €1,446.

Gender Gap in Pension Payments

The average state pension for men in 2025 was €1,415 per month, while for women it was significantly lower at €1,039. These figures underscore a severe gender-based inequality in pension disbursements.

'This situation is a true scandal,' said Sarah Vollath, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in the pension system.

These statistics reflect deep-rooted social issues tied to pension inequality, pointing to a pressing need for reforms that ensure a fairer distribution of resources. With an aging population and rising costs for social services, improving the living conditions of retirees—especially women—has become an increasingly critical issue for German society.