The outgoing federal government has brought the pension increase announced by Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) in March into effect. As the cabinet decided on Wednesday, pensions will be increased by 3.74 percent across the board as of July 1st. According to the Ministry of Labor, this means an increase of 66.15 euros per month for a standard pension with average earnings and 45 years of contributions. The increase is based on the strong wage development. “Stable pensions are not a luxury, but a question of fairness for those who have worked hard all their lives” said Heil when presenting the figures.