Germany draft bill sets 2.5% elder care contribution for childfree adults

Childfree adults in Germany could be required to pay 2.5% of their income each month toward elder care under a draft bill prepared by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken, Deutsche Welle reported. The proposal would raise contributions for people without children by 0.7% over a period of years, while also setting an employer share for those workers. ^[1]

Under the draft, employers of childfree employees would be expected to pay 1.8% toward elder care contributions. ^[1]

Adults with children would keep their current contribution rates under the proposal: 1.8% for one child, 1.55% for two children, and 1.3% for three or more children. ^[1]

“The bill would have contributions from childfree adults increase by 0.7% over a period of years, meaning they would pay 2.5% of their income each month. Their employer will be expected to pay 1.8%,” the report said. ^[1]

The draft bill, as described, draws a clear line between contribution levels for childfree adults and those for parents, leaving the existing tiered rates for people with children in place while increasing the amount paid by those without children. ^[1]