Those in need with open pension entitlements from GDR times can now apply for help of at least 2,500 euros from a planned hardship fund. This was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs in Berlin. Decisions should only be made after March 31st. The left criticizes the fund and wants to apply for a more comprehensive solution in the Bundestag on Friday: more money and a larger group of recipients. "The last word must not be said on the hardship fund," said parliamentary group leader Dietmar Bartsch.
It is about certain pension entitlements that were acquired in GDR times and were not transferred to the Federal German system in 1991. What is meant are supplementary pensions, for example for former employees of the Reichsbahn or post office, as well as claims from women who were divorced in GDR times. According to the left, this affects up to 500,000 East Germans from 17 different professional groups.
The hardship fund, endowed with 500 million euros, is only intended for people on the poverty line. In addition to former GDR citizens, it is also open to needy late resettlers and Jewish contingent refugees. The federal government expects 180,000 to 190,000 people with legitimate claims, including 50,000 to 70,000 East German pensioners.
Criteria too hard?
"This would mean that around 90 percent of those affected, who have been fighting for the recognition of their pension entitlements for over 30 years, would get nothing," the left-wing faction complained in their motion. The reason for this is that the criteria - namely need - are too hard, said the Left East Commissioner Sören Pellmann. "The fact that the federal government is now only providing a measly 500 million euros for three large groups is a sign of poverty. We are demanding a justice fund and compensation for all those affected." In the application, the left pleads for a one-time payment in the five-digit range.
According to plans by the federal government, the hardship fund is to be managed by a foundation. The federal states have the opportunity to contribute financially until March 31st. That is one reason why the applications that are now possible will only be answered after this date, as a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Social Affairs said. So far, only Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has publicly committed to contributing money. If there is such a state participation, the payout for those entitled in these countries increases from 2500 to 5000 euros.
