How much is the basic income support for seniors? Calculation, allowances, and application

Basic income support for the elderly is an important form of state assistance for people whose pension is not sufficient to cover their living expenses. This affects more and more older people, especially in view of falling pension levels, rising living costs, and interrupted employment histories. But how much is basic income support—and what factors are taken into account when calculating it?

Article in a nutshell

• Basic income support in old age helps people whose pension is not enough to live on.

• It consists of standard needs, housing costs, additional needs, and, if applicable, health insurance contributions.

• Income such as pensions or additional income is taken into account, but certain allowances and exceptions protect parts of the income.

• Assets are also taken into account, with exempt assets of up to €10,000 (or €20,000 for couples) remaining untouched.

• Allowances for basic pensions, earned income, and private pension plans improve benefit entitlements.

• The application is submitted to the social welfare office or, for example, to LeistungsLotse. Benefits apply from the month of application and must be reapplied for annually.

What is basic income support in old age?

Basic income support in old age is a social benefit under Book XII of the Social Code (SGB XII). It is intended for people who have reached the statutory retirement age and are financially unable to support themselves, for example because their pension is too low or they have no assets. The aim of the benefit is to prevent poverty in old age and enable people to live in dignity during retirement.

All persons who live permanently in Germany, have reached the standard retirement age (67 for those born in 1964 or later) and whose income and assets are insufficient to cover their necessary living expenses are entitled to basic income support. Basic income support can be applied for by both pensioners and persons without pension entitlements, provided they have reached the age limit and are in need.

How much is the basic income support for seniors?

Die Höhe der Grundsicherung im Alter hängt von mehreren individuellen Faktoren ab und wird nicht pauschal festgelegt. Grundlage ist zunächst der sogenannte Regelbedarf, der die allgemeinen Lebenshaltungskosten wie Ernährung, Kleidung, Strom (ohne Heizung) und persönliche Bedürfnisse abdeckt. Dieser beträgt im Jahr 2025 für Alleinstehende 563 Euro monatlich.

The standard requirements are broken down as follows.

In addition, there are reasonable costs for accommodation and heating, i.e. generally rent, which can vary depending on where you live.

Furthermore, so-called additional needs are taken into account for the following situations:

• Single parents: 12-60% of their own standard needs, depending on the number and age of their children

• Pregnant women: 17% of their own standard needs

• People with walking disabilities: 17% of their own standard needs

• For expensive nutrition due to illness: 10-20% of their own standard needs

• Additional requirements may be possible for hot water and other special needs.

The total requirement is then calculated as follows: standard requirement + additional requirements + accommodation costs (rent).

All eligible income, such as pensions or salaries, is then (partially) deducted from the requirement calculated in this way. The difference is the actual amount of basic security benefit.

In 2023, more than 1.2 million people in Germany were already receiving basic security benefits in old age – an increase of around 15 percent compared to the previous year.

Please note: Entitlement is very much linked to the individual. This means that if you receive basic security benefits, standard needs for children in the household are not automatically granted. They would have to apply separately for either citizens' allowance or (if they are under 15 years of age) assistance with living expenses.

What income is taken into account?

The applicant's income is assessed to determine eligibility. This includes, among other things:

• statutory pension,

• company pensions or pensions from accident insurance,

• income from renting or leasing,

• maintenance payments,

• secondary employment or other income.

However, certain benefits are not taken into account, such as:

• care allowance,

• blindness allowance,

• compensation for pain and suffering,

• income from certain honorary positions.

Before the calculation, various amounts are deducted from the gross income, such as:

• Income-related expenses,

• Mandatory social security contributions,

• Insurance contributions,

• Taxes.

This ensures that only the actual disposable net income is included in the calculation.

How is wealth calculated?

In addition to income, assets are also taken into account. As a general rule, anyone who has sufficient realizable assets is not entitled to basic income support. However, there are clear limits and exceptions.

Assets that are not taken into account include:

• up to €10,000 for single persons,

• up to €20,000 for couples,

• reasonable household goods,

• reasonable real estate used by the person themselves,

• small mementos or family jewelry.

However, the following are not considered exempt assets:

• large amounts of cash,

• stocks or securities,

• additional real estate,

• expensive jewelry or luxury goods.

If the assets exceed the allowances, they must first be used up before there is any entitlement to basic income support.

What allowances and exemptions are there?

In order to reward retirement provision and create additional incentives, there are certain allowances for basic income support in old age. Particularly relevant are:

• the basic pension allowance, whereby part of the statutory pension is not taken into account,

• the allowance for additional income from self-employment or employment,

• allowances for occupational and private pension provision.

The aim of these regulations is to ensure that private pension provision continues to be worthwhile even when receiving social security benefits.

How and where do you apply for basic income support in old age?

Basic income support can be applied for at the local social welfare office or a special basic income support office. Official application forms are available there or online, for example via LeistungsLotse.

Benefits are usually granted for twelve months. After that, a follow-up application must be submitted in good time in order to continue receiving benefits without interruption. Entitlement begins retroactively on the first day of the month in which the application was submitted.

What documents are required for the application?

The following documents must be submitted for a complete application for basic income support in old age:

• Completed application form,

• Identity card or passport,

• Current pension statement,

• Proof of rent and heating costs,

• Bank statements for the last few months,

• Proof of other income (e.g., alimony, part-time job),

• Information about existing assets,

If applicable, severely disabled person's ID card or medical certificates.

If the application is accidentally submitted to the wrong office, it will be forwarded to the responsible authority—this will not disadvantage the applicant.

Conclusion: Basic income support can be worthwhile—it's worth checking out!

Many people of retirement age are unaware that they are entitled to basic income support—or are put off by the bureaucratic hassle involved. Yet basic income support in old age can make a decisive contribution to a dignified life in old age.

With LeistungsLotse, you can easily and anonymously check whether it might be worth applying—digitally, securely, and free of charge.

Anyone who has less than around €1,015 per month at their disposal should definitely check whether they are eligible. The figures show that over 1.2 million people in Germany are already taking advantage of this option – and the trend is rising.