Poverty - VdK association calls for comprehensive help for the socially disadvantaged
When facing poverty in old age
Many elderly people find that their pension is not sufficient. The association demands that the state government launch an information campaign on poverty in old age and clarify the requirements for social benefits. Approximately 3.3 million people in NRW are affected by relative poverty. According to VdK estimates, around 310,000 people in NRW receive basic security in old age and due to income reduction, which is an 18% increase compared to ten years ago.
Disability representatives should, in the opinion of the association, be mandatory in municipalities. In the most populous federal state with around 18 million inhabitants, nearly two million severely disabled people live. To ensure comprehensive, locally accessible medical care, the VdK advocates for the promotion of medical care centers in municipal ownership.
Poverty through care
The association demands relief for caregivers. To prevent care from leading to poverty, a tax-financed caregiver's allowance, similar to parental allowance, should be introduced. According to VdK estimates, 86% of the approximately 1.2 million care-dependent people in NRW would still be cared for at home. The federal government must also introduce the promised climate money promptly. The CO2 tax is increasing and disproportionately burdening low-income people. The VdK NRW has over 410,000 members.
- The VdK, being a prominent aid organization in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), has highlighted the issue of old-age poverty, urging the state government to launch an information campaign and clarify the requirements for social benefits.
- In Düsseldorf, the capital city of NRW, and other municipalities, the VdK advocates for disability representatives to ensure better support and representation for the nearly 2 million severely disabled people residing in the most populous federal state.
- Recognizing the plight of caregivers who often fall into poverty due to their duties, the VdK calls for the introduction of a tax-financed caregiver's allowance, similar to parental allowance, to help prevent this situation.
- As a major social affairs concern, the VdK emphasizes the need for comprehensive, locally accessible medical care, advocating for the promotion of medical care centers in municipal ownership across NRW.
- The VdK, with a significant presence in NRW, works tirelessly to combat various forms of poverty, including old-age poverty and poverty caused by caregiving duties, ensuring that its over 410,000 members have access to essential aid and support.
