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Gemeinsam. Wunderbar.

Many older people live on a small pension and are unaware that they are entitled to additional financial assistance. The German Institute for Economic Research has examined this issue: About 60 percent of those who would be eligible for basic income support for the elderly do not apply for it. Among those over 76, the figure is as high as 73 percent, and among widows and widowers, 77 percent.

The reasons are almost always the same: People don’t know they qualify. They feel ashamed. Or they fear their own children would then have to pay. The last point is the most common—and in the vast majority of cases, it’s unfounded. More on that below.

This guide explains in simple language which four benefits you can apply for in addition to your pension, where to do so, and what you need to apply.

1. Basic Income Support for the Elderly

This is the most important benefit. It’s intended for people whose pension isn’t enough to live on.

Who is eligible: Anyone who has reached the standard retirement age or is permanently fully disabled—and cannot cover their own living expenses with their pension, income, and assets.

What it covers: The so-called standard needs allowance, plus reasonable costs for housing and heating, as well as contributions to health and long-term care insurance. Additional supplements are provided for special needs.

How much the standard need is (as of January 1, 2026):

• Single individuals: 563 euros per month
• Married couples and cohabiting couples: 506 euros per person

These amounts have remained unchanged from 2025. Mathematically, the figure for 2026 would actually have been lower—but a statutory protection of acquired rights prevents the amount from decreasing. Your actual housing costs are added to this standard allowance, provided they are reasonable.

Where to submit your application: At the social services office in your city or county. Not at the Jobcenter, and not at the pension insurance office.

An important note regarding the timing: The benefit is granted retroactively as of the first day of the month in which you submit your application. If you’re unsure, it’s better to ask sooner rather than later. An application that turns out to be unsuccessful costs nothing but time.

2. The Statement That Prevents Many Applications

“Then they’ll take the money from my children.” This concern prevents many people from applying.

As a general rule, this is not the case. For basic income support for the elderly, claims for child support are only considered if a child earns more than 100,000 euros gross per year. This threshold applies to each child individually.

So if you have a daughter with a typical salaried job and a son with a moderate income, you don’t need to worry about this. For incomes below this threshold, the social services office assumes that no claim for support exists.

If you have not yet applied solely because of this concern, this is the point at which it is worth speaking with the social services office or an advisory center.

3. Housing Allowance

Housing allowance is a subsidy for rent—or, for homeowners, for housing costs. It is specifically intended for retirees with low incomes.

Important distinction: Housing allowance and basic income support are mutually exclusive. Anyone receiving basic income support does not receive housing allowance—housing costs are already covered by that benefit. Housing allowance is therefore the benefit for anyone whose income is just above the basic income support threshold.

How much it is: This depends on three factors—how many people live in the household, the household’s income, and which rent bracket your area falls into. There are seven rent tiers. In 2024, households received an average of about 287 euros per month; as of January 1, 2025, an automatic adjustment added an average of about 30 euros to that amount. No further increase is planned for 2026.

Where to apply: At the housing assistance office in your city or county. If you don’t know where it’s located, the city administration can tell you.

One thing that’s easy to overlook: Your income changes after a pension increase. If you receive housing assistance, you must report this. It’s a hassle, but it prevents you from having to repay the benefits.

4. Pay Less Out-of-Pocket for Health Insurance

Prescription fees, copayments for medical aids, hospital visits, and physical therapy: These costs add up, especially if you have multiple health conditions. However, there’s a legal cap on these costs.

The cost limit: It’s set at two percent of your annual gross income used for living expenses. For people with chronic illnesses who are in long-term treatment for the same condition, the limit is only one percent.

If you reach the limit during the current year, you can be exempted from further copayments for the remainder of the year. If you’ve already paid too much, you’ll be reimbursed the difference.

What counts: Medications and bandages, therapeutic treatments such as physical therapy, medical aids, hospital treatment, and rehabilitation services. What doesn’t count: Individual health services that you pay for yourself (IGeL) and the copayment for dental prosthetics.

Where to apply: Through your health insurance provider. To do this, collect all your receipts for the year—even the small ones. It’s handy to keep an envelope where you can put everything as soon as you leave the pharmacy.

5. Broadcasting License Fee

If you receive basic old-age income support, you can be exempted from the broadcasting fee. However, this does not happen automatically—you must submit an application and include the approval notice from the social services office.

The application should be sent to the contribution service of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio. Forms are available online, at many city halls, and through social service organizations.

Here’s the best way to proceed

1. Do a rough calculation. Is your pension enough to live on after deducting rent, heating, and insurance? If money is tight, it’s worth taking the next step.
2. Seek advice before filling out the forms. Free advice is available from, among others, the social welfare offices themselves, the social welfare organizations VdK and SoVD, Caritas, Diakonie, and consumer advice centers. A consultation costs you nothing and often saves you from having to try multiple times.
3. Gather your documents. The most commonly required documents are: your pension notice, bank statements from the last few months, your lease agreement with a breakdown of utility costs, proof of insurance, and proof of assets.
4. Submit the application—even if you’re unsure. There’s no downside to having an application denied. But there is a downside to never submitting it at all.

When Family Members Help

For many older adults, going to the government office is the real hurdle—not filling out the forms. If you’re helping a family member: Offer to go with them, rather than offering to do it for them. This makes a difference for someone who has handled everything on their own their whole life.

It’s also helpful to keep track of appointments and deadlines in one place where both of you can see them: who’s been to the office, what’s still missing, and when the decision is expected.

Important Note

This guide provides an overview and is not a substitute for legal advice. Whether you’re eligible for a benefit—and, if so, how much—always depends on your individual circumstances. The amounts listed apply to Germany as of 2026. Binding information is available from the relevant government offices and the advisory centers listed.