Digital pension card: compulsory for all pensioners?

This is what the federal government is planning – and here’s the catch

The classic pension ID card in cheque card format – made of paper, shrink-wrapped and sent by post – is to be abolished.
Instead, there will be a mandatory digital version.

➡️ Only via app.
➡️ Or as a download to the digital wallet. And:
➡️ for everyone.

What is behind it? Who is affected? And what is going completely wrong here?

What exactly is the federal government planning?

It is written in black and white in the coalition agreement – on page 16, lines 497 to 499:

“In future, everyone should be able to carry the digital disability and pension card digitally and securely.”

In plain language this means:

• The classic ID card is being abolished.
• German Pension Insurance no longer sends it out.

In future, anyone receiving a pension in Germany will only be able to prove their identity digitally –
➡️ via smartphone app
➡️ or a wallet on your cell phone.

Why is this a problem?

The federal government’s argument is:
➡️ Everything should become more digital, modern and efficient.

But this is very reminiscent of the electronic patient file, where many peoplewere also
automatically included – and first had to actively opt out.

Here, too, the question arises:
Is digitalization becoming an obligation again – instead of a freedom of choice?

The catch: what about people without the Internet?

According to the Federal Statistical Office, there are 2.8 million offline users in Germany:
– i.e. people who do not use the internet.
Among them:
336,000 older people aged between 65 and 74.

None of them would have access to the digital pension card.
And this is precisely where the problem lies:

• No Internet = no download

• No smartphone = no app

• No digital wallet = no ID card function

These people would be excluded.
Although they are entitled to a pension pass – e.g. for discounts, visits to the authorities, cultural events or public transport.

What about data protection and app deniers?

Even those who have the internet but are not a fan of apps or digital wallets would be affected.
➡️ The federal government is not planning an analog alternative.

Many people also have security concerns – especially after the experience with electronic patient files, where data protection is still controversial today.

Our appeal to the federal government:

Digital yes – but not only!
➡️ Make the digital pension ID card voluntary.
➡️ Keep the paper ID card for everyone who needs or wants it.
➡️ And above all: no compulsory opt-out!

After all, if citizens are automatically forced into digital systems – and can only get out again by contradicting them – then this is not progress, but coercion through the back door.

Conclusion: Digitalization must not be an exclusion

The digital pension certificate is an important topic.
But it must not become a problem – for all those who do not use a smartphone, do not have the internet or simply do not want to be digitally mobile.

Because one thing is clear:
A pension certificate is a basic right. No download link.

You can now find all the details in the latest YouTube video
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