Germany’s social welfare expenditure reached 20.2 billion euros net in 2024, a 14.8 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to data released Monday by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The rise encompasses significant increases across all forms of social assistance provided under the Social Security Code XII (SGB XII).
The largest portion of expenditure – 56.5 percent, totaling 11.4 billion euros – was allocated to basic security for the elderly and those unable to work. This area, fully funded by federal reimbursements to the states, experienced a 13.3 percent year-on-year increase.
Net expenditure for care assistance rose by 17.7 percent to 5.3 billion euros. Assistance for securing a livelihood accounted for 1.6 billion euros, reflecting an 11.1 percent increase. Combined, aid covering health provisions, overcoming specific social challenges and other life circumstances amounted to 1.9 billion euros, a substantial 19.4 percent increase from 2023.
Notably, benefits previously covered under SGB XII for integration assistance for people with disabilities and those at risk of disability were transferred to the Social Security Code IX (SGB IX) under the Participation Act (BTHG) on January 1, 2020. Expenditure for integration assistance is now tracked separately, revealing a total of 28.7 billion euros net was spent in 2024-a 12.9 percent increase over the prior year.