Suche
Mein Konto
Social assistance in Germany: record increase in spending in 2023
Spending on social assistance in Germany rose by 18% in 2023, due to the care reform and increased living costs.
Social assistance in Germany: record increase in spending in 2023
Strong increase in social welfare spending in Germany
The social challenges in Germany are increasing, and the current figures on social welfare spending impressively underline this problem. According to the Federal Statistical Office, spending on social assistance benefits increased to a record level in 2023, which is due to the tense economic situation and necessary reforms of the social system.
Background: Who benefits from social assistance?
Social assistance in Germany is aimed at people who cannot support themselves independently. This particularly affects seniors, people with reduced earning capacity and people in particular social difficulties. An impressive example: At the beginning of April 2024, over 1.2 million people are living on basic security in old age and with reduced earning capacity. This number shows how many citizens are dependent on government support.
A significant increase: The numbers in detail
In 2023, social welfare spending rose by 18 percent to a total of 17.6 billion euros. A significant part of this, almost 10.1 billion euros, went towards basic security for older people and those with reduced earning capacity. Subsistence assistance and health assistance also recorded notable increases, indicating that needs in these areas continue to grow.
Trends and reforms: The role of nursing reform
A key factor in the increase in social assistance spending is the care reform, which was implemented in 2022. This reform initially led to a decrease in spending on care, which was corrected by adjusting the framework conditions. Adjusted spending on care assistance rose by a remarkable 27.4 percent in 2023, underlining the effect of the reform.
Health services and social support
The health assistance is aimed particularly at people in need of help without health insurance. These services are essential to ensure that even people without financial resources have access to medical care. Help to overcome particular social difficulties also plays an important role, as it supports people in crisis situations, such as homelessness.
An urgent look at the future
The significant increases in social welfare spending are a clear indicator of the urgent social challenges facing Germany. The increase in need for assistance is not just a snapshot, but points to deeper social problems that need to be addressed in order to help people in need in the long term. The coming policy decisions and reforms will be crucial to ensure that social security remains guaranteed for all citizens.