- Woidke proposes support for seniors on basic pension
The Brandenburg state government intends to examine a support measure for senior citizens in receiving the basic pension. This would involve an annual one-time payment of several hundred euros, according to government spokesman Florian Engels. The exact amount would depend on future budget negotiations.
Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) has assured the Brandenburg Senior Council that such support will be examined. This was the outcome of a meeting in the State Chancellery, which was also attended by Finance Minister Katrin Lange (SPD).
In 2022, around 7.3% of pensioners in Brandenburg, approximately 57,000 people, received a basic pension supplement, according to the State Chancellery. For instance, a one-time payment of 100 euros would cost the state around 57 million euros.
The basic pension, a supplement to one's own pension, has been in existence since 2021. It is paid to those who have paid contributions for many years but still receive a low pension.
"Especially seniors in very tight financial situations, we want to at least provide some support," said Woidke. "Rising living costs and persistent price increases threaten the financial stability and quality of life."
The Brandenburg Senior Council is calling for an inflation adjustment for pensioners of 3,000 euros. Woidke is the top candidate of the SPD in Brandenburg. A new state parliament will be elected on September 22.
The Senior Council also considers it necessary to continue the Pact for Care. With this promotion, care-dependent people and their relatives, especially in rural areas, are relieved, and advisory services are expanded. A total of around 22 million euros per year are provided for the Pact in the state budget until 2024.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it, the financial situation of many senior citizens in Brandenburg is quite challenging with rising living costs and persistent price increases. Despite the government's intention to examine a support measure for the basic pension, the amount is yet to be determined during budget negotiations.
