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New contribution shock: pension and health costs will rise in 2026!
Erlangen 2025: Economist Frank Hechtner analyzes the planned increase in the contribution assessment limits in social security.
New contribution shock: pension and health costs will rise in 2026!
What's new in the world of social security? A current draft regulation by Labor Minister Bärbel Bas, which was analyzed by economist Frank Hechtner from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, brings with it some striking changes. The draft law envisages an increase in the contribution assessment limit for pension insurance from 8,050 euros to 8,450 euros. In addition, the limit in statutory health and nursing care insurance is to rise from 5,512.50 euros to 5,812.50 euros. That reports Ad Hoc News.
The increase in these limits not only affects the level of social security contributions, but is also compensated for by changes in tax law in order to alleviate the additional burden on citizens. For example, a childless single with a monthly income of 6,000 euros has to pay around 394 euros more in social contributions to the state coffers. However, after implementing the tax changes, this additional burden drops to 81 euros per year.
Limit values in detail
From January 1, 2025, the contribution assessment limit in pension insurance will be uniform throughout Germany. This means the end of the distinction between old and new federal states in all insurance sectors. The following limits apply for 2025:
- Jährlich: 96.600,00 EUR / Monatlich: 8.050,00 EUR
- Jährlich: 118.800,00 EUR / Monatlich: 9.900,00 EUR
- Jährlich: 66.150,00 EUR / Monatlich: 5.512,50 EUR
These values are set annually in advance for the following calendar year, as shown on the website of the German pension insurance can be read.
Impact on married couples and highest earners
The effects are particularly noticeable on married couples with two children whose income is unfavorably distributed. If one partner earns between 8,500 and 10,000 euros while the other receives nothing or only a small income, there is a risk of additional annual costs of around 300 euros in these cases. The increase in the contribution assessment limits is a factor that could use up part of the intended relief for 2026, as Hechtner comments.
Overall, it is clear that the adjustments could contain both challenges and opportunities, especially given the income development during the year and the planned tax changes. It's important to stay alert here!