The Sozialverband VdK is urging the German government to impose social insurance contributions on a wider range of incomes. Verbandspräsidentin Verena Bentele has called the recently announced increase in the contribution assessment ceiling a step in the right direction, but insists it needs to go further.
She argues that all types of income should be considered for funding social insurances. This includes income from rentals and assets, which are currently exempt.
Bentele believes this exemption disadvantages the working population and benefits the wealthy. The assessment ceiling for statutory health and long-term care insurance is set to rise to €5512 monthly gross income in 2025. For pension and unemployment insurance, it will increase to €8050 across Germany.
Bentele praises this move for making high earners contribute more fairly but challenges the government to align health and long-term care insurance with pension insurance values. She emphasizes the need for a more equitable system by including all income sources.
Without this, raising average contribution rates for the working population cannot be justified, she asserts. The debate highlights the necessity for structural reforms to ensure long-term stability and fairness in the social insurance systems.
