Old-age basic security (Grundsicherung im Alter)

Level 2 · FoundationsDE · 2026 figures

German termGrundsicherung im Alter

Read firstStatutory pension · Means-tested benefits

Deep divesState Pension (Gesetzliche Rente)

Grundsicherung im Alter (basic security in old age) is a means-tested SGB XII benefit for people at or above the applicable retirement-age threshold whose recognized needs exceed countable income and assets. It can cover a standard living allowance, appropriate housing and heating, and qualifying additional needs. It is not an earned pension supplement [1][2].

The needs calculation

recognized need − countable income = benefit, subject to asset and eligibility rules

For a single adult in Regelbedarfsstufe 1, the monthly standard need remains €563 in 2026. Appropriate housing and heating are assessed separately, and additional needs can apply [2].

Worked example

This is an illustration, not an entitlement calculation. Income deductions, household composition, assets, housing reasonableness, health-insurance treatment, residence status, and local administration can change the result.

Component	Amount
2026 standard need	€563
Recognized housing and heating	€650
Total recognized need	€1,213
Countable net pension and other income	−€900
Simplified benefit	€313

Do not confuse two instruments

Grundsicherung im Alter is contribution-independent and means-tested. Grundrentenzuschlag is part of statutory pension law for people with a long insurance history and uses an income test under separate rules. A small pension does not automatically create either payment.

What is assessed

The social-assistance authority examines the applicant's income and generally usable assets. For a non-separated spouse, registered partner, or marriage-like partner, countable resources above that partner's own necessary living costs can also matter. Statutory protected categories still apply: an appropriate owner-occupied home, specified retirement assets, household goods, and hardship rules can receive protection under § 90 SGB XII [1][3]. Maintenance claims against parents or children are generally disregarded unless that relative's total annual income exceeds €100,000 [1].

Because the benefit is application-based, an indicative note from Deutsche Rentenversicherung does not itself award it. The responsible Sozialamt determines eligibility.

Check yourself

Recognized needs are €1,213 monthly and countable income is €900. Ignoring other rules, what is the benefit gap?

What is Grundsicherung im Alter?

An earned pension point supplementA means-tested old-age safety-net benefitA universal payment to every retiree

Which components can enter recognized need? Select all that apply.

The applicable standard needAppropriate housing and heatingQualifying additional needsAny housing cost without reasonableness review

Whose resources can affect a Grundsicherung im Alter assessment?

Only the applicant's resources can ever matterThe applicant's resources and, where applicable, countable resources of a non-separated spouse or partnerEvery parent's and child's resources, regardless of income

The needs calculation​

Worked example​

Do not confuse two instruments​

What is assessed​

Check yourself​

Sources​

The needs calculation

Worked example

Do not confuse two instruments

What is assessed

Check yourself

Sources