The foundation of the German social security system is based on three pillars: the classic population pyramid, a growing economy, and lifelong employment as the norm. In light of the need for sustainable financing of social security systems, a fundamental and structural realignment is essential. A mere repair will not suffice. The foundation of the entire social security system has become unstable. Due to demographic developments, weak potential growth, the increase in precarious employment conditions, the reduction of the entitlement duration for unemployment benefits (ALG 1), the privatization of profits, and the socialization of losses, these pillars are losing their stabilizing role. To tackle future challenges, either further cuts in benefits or higher contributions, fees, and taxes, or an expansion of the assessment base will be necessary.