Pension increase 2027: 4.1 percent in July
Pension increase 2027: a draft report puts the July rise at 4.09 percent. What it means in euros and for contributions.
Social Security & Welfare
Get acquainted with the safety nets of German society. This category outlines the social security benefits, welfare programs, and eligibility criteria to ensure you have the support you need while living in Germany.
Care reform 2027: childless to pay more
The care reform 2027 raises care contributions for the childless and higher earners, with a spouse surcharge from 2028.
Elterngeld reform draft keeps 14 months
The Elterngeld reform draft keeps 14 months and proposes a 4-6-4 split with 80 or 50 percent. Nothing is decided yet.
Zusatzbeitrag 2027 stays at 2.9% - yours may not
The official Zusatzbeitrag 2027 stays at 2.9 percent, but real rates run up to 4.39 percent. How to compare and switch.
Elterngeld Reform Would Cut to 12 Months
A proposed Elterngeld reform would cut basic parental pay from 14 to 12 months and reserve three months for each parent.
Care Reform Delayed to September
Germany's care reform is delayed to September, so Pflegegeld and contributions stay unchanged for care-giving families.
All-Day School Right Starts for First Graders
Every first grader in Germany now has a legal right to all-day school care, but many places may be hard to secure.
Frühstartrente: 10 Euro a Month per Child
The Frühstartrente child pension would pay 10 euros a month into a funded depot for every child aged 6 to 18 in Germany.
Hausarzt Shortage to Hit 12,000 by 2040
A new study warns Germany's Hausarzt shortage could leave 12,000 GP posts unfilled by 2040, hitting rural areas hardest.
Nursing Home Costs Hit Record 3,364 Euros a Month
Nursing home costs in Germany hit a record 3,364 euros a month in own contributions, 256 euros more than a year ago.
Cabinet Backs Digital Jobcenter Law
Germany's digital jobcenter law makes unemployment registration and ALG I digital by default. What changes for expats.
German Pension Increase of 4.24 Percent
Germany's July 2026 pension increase of 4.24 percent gives around 21 million pensioners more money each month.