One in six single female old age pensioners have low supplementary incomes

In 2012, nearly 2 million households received old age pensions. In 173 thousand cases, the  supplementary incomes of over-65 households did not exceed 250 euros a month. Among these households were 111 thousand single women aged 65 years or older.

Share single women with low supplementary incomes is decreasing

The supplementary incomes of more than 17 percent of single over-65 women varied between 0 and 250 euros a month in 2012, versus more than 22 percent in 2000. Among over-65 couples, the share with low supplementary incomes was nearly 4 percent in 2012.

Over-65 households more often have supplementary incomes

The number of over-65 households grew from 1.5 million to nearly 2 million between 2000 and 2012. At the same time, the number of over-65 households with supplementary incomes not exceeding 250 euros a month fell from nearly 200 thousand to 173 thousand, because new generations who reach the age of 65 tend to have higher supplementary pensions. When the labour market participation rate among women began to rise, more women started to build up their own pensions.

Over-65 households with supplementary monthly incomes not exceeding 250 euros, price level 2012

Substantial income gaps in the older population

The average gross old age pension for over-65 singles was 1,080 euros a month in 2012, versus 1,550 euros a month for over-65 couples. Supplementary incomes vary considerably; 55 percent of over-65 households received 1,000 euros or more, more than a quarter received between 500 and 1,000 euros and nearly 9 percent received no more than 250 euros a month in addition to their old age pensions. 

Over-65 households with supplementary incomes, 2012

Supplementary pension accounts for nearly 40 percent of the gross income

On average, old age pensions account for 38 percent of the gross incomes of over-65 households. Supplementary pensions account for 37 percent. Income from personal capital on average accounts for less than 5 percent. More than 410 thousand over-65 households received rent allowances. For 34 thousand households, this was the only extra source of income.

Composition gross incomes over-65 households, 2012*

Wim Bos