Verena Bentele, the president of the VdK social association, is calling for increased governmental support for people in need due to rising costs. Speaking to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, she stressed that the federal government urgently needs a comprehensive plan to ensure that living costs remain affordable.
According to the VdK chief, individuals on low wages or limited pensions are struggling to cope with price increases for essentials such as groceries, housing, and energy. She advocated for measures including rent caps, affordable and nutritious staple foods, and state aid to promote the private use of renewable and cheaper energy sources.
Bentele also stated that more direct government assistance is necessary. Specifically, she called for improved access to housing allowances and basic security benefits, as well as an inflation adjustment across all social benefits. She specified that this includes benefits like the Bürgergeld (Citizen’s Allowance), Wohngeld (housing assistance), BAföG (stipends for students), and basic old-age security. She concluded by adding that inflation will remain a persistent issue given the global crises.