Social Policy and Distribution of Income and Wealth

Overview

In accordance with its legal mandate, the German Council of Economic Experts examines regularly the formation and distribution of income and wealth. The German Council of Economic Experts analyses, among other things, how fiscal and social policies affect the various distribution measures. The results of these analyses are published every second year in a chapter of the Annual Report.

Social policy in particular is a decisive determinant of the distribution of income and wealth. Social systems are designed to ensure sufficient income in the event of illness, unemployment or old age. Education policy in particular influences the income distribution of tomorrow. In addition, the German Council of Economic Experts regularly analyses the development of the labour market, as opportunities on the labour market and earned income have a significant impact on inequality.

Recent publications

Working Paper

Alterungsschub und Sozialbeiträge: Simulationen für GKV und Pflegeversicherung

Working Paper 01/2026 by Martin Werding, Anina Harter, Philipp Hauber, Tim Hermann, Lenard P. Holler, Peter Kreß, Theresa Neef, Christian Ochsner, Veronika Püschel, Charlotte Rochell, Benedikt Runschke, Milena Schwarz and Christopher Zuber (Download)

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