As a result of low pensions, not enough help and rising prices, about half a million seniors are below the poverty line according to Martin Halás from the Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Risks (IVRA). "Poverty is rolling over the old and sick this year. At the beginning of 2022, 27% of the total of 1.1 million old-age pensioners, i.e. more
than 306,000 people were below the poverty threshold of €424 per month. As a result of low old-age pensions, inadequate state aid and rising prices, a further 187,000 old-age pensioners have fallen below the poverty line.
The number of seniors below the poverty line has risen alarmingly to 494,000. At the beginning of 2022, 217,000 female pensioners and 89,000 male pensioners were living below the poverty
line. However, the present figures are 339,000 women and 154,000 men," added Halás.
According to him, it is therefore important for next year's state budget to count with this poverty, which will not be adequately compensated by an 11.8% rise in old-age pensions from January 2023. The poorest, especially those on minimum pensions, will have the greatest problems. The state will have to fully compensate seniors not only for rising prices this and next year, but also regulate the prices of energy and medicines.
Source: TASR
