- Despite working full-time, numerous Thuringians manage to sustain their lives on modest pension benefits.
In Thuringia, numerous individuals find themselves facing a meager pension despite contributing for decades. Over 256,000 full-time workers who pay social security contributions are projected to receive a maximum pension of 1,300 euros after 45 years of consistent contributions, as revealed in the government's response to Sahra Wagenknecht's parliamentary query, obtained by the German Press Agency in Berlin.
However, the Federal Ministry of Labour argues that the assumption made in the question - a steady income correlation throughout the entire employment period - is unfeasible. According to the government's response, approximately 321,000 individuals in Thuringia would receive a pension less than 1,300 euros if they maintained their current earnings.
Low pensions are prevalent in East Germany
The regional disparities are substantial. After a full-time career, many in East Germany receive a pension under 1,300 euros. Across the nation, this would impact nearly a third of full-time workers - almost half in the east, as stated.
Since 2012, the standard retirement age has been gradually increasing from 65 to 67 years. For long-term insured individuals, 35 years of contributions are necessary to receive an old-age pension. For those with especially long-term contributions, 45 years are required. Certain age groups can retire early without penalties before their 67th birthday, provided they have contributed for 35 years. For individuals born in 1964 or later, the retirement age remains 67 years, even after 35 years of contributions. In theory, one can retire early without penalties after 45 years of insurance.
Federal Employment Agency: Labor statistics
Despite decades of contributions, many individuals in Retirement face a meager pension in Thuringia, with a maximum of 1,300 euros. This unfortunate situation is projected to affect approximately 321,000 individuals if their earnings remain constant.
