Bürgergeld under threat: Germany prepares tough social benefits reform from 2026

The German government has approved a reform of Bürgergeld, which will tighten controls, introduce sanctions and change the rules for receiving social assistance. Find out what exactly will change, who will be affected and when the reform will come into force

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The German government has officially approved the reform of the basic social assistance Bürgergeld, which effectively means abandoning the current payment model. The new rules provide for significantly stricter conditions for recipients and could affect about 5.5 million people across the country.

The decision was made during a meeting of the federal government in Berlin. The bill was initiated by the German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Bärbel Bas. At the same time, the document still needs to be considered and approved by the Bundestag, where it has already caused heated discussions.

We will tell you exactly how the procedure for paying Bürgergeld will change and when this may happen in this article.

Read here which states in Germany will accept Ukrainians in December 2025.

How will the procedure for receiving Bürgergeld for Ukrainians in Germany change?

One of the key changes will be the possibility of a complete suspension of payments in case of violation of the requirements of the employment centers (Jobcenter), in particular:

- If a person fails to appear for scheduled appointments three times without a good reason, payments may be stopped completely;

- Two missed visits may lead to a reduction in benefits by 30%;

Important! In addition to receiving material support, compensation for housing costs is also at risk.

At the same time, the state undertakes to provide a person with the opportunity to explain their situation - by phone or during a personal conversation.

Persons with confirmed mental illnesses will be protected from complete deprivation of benefits.

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New rules on savings for Bürgergeld recipients

The reform also provides for a review of the approach to assessing the financial situation of beneficiaries. In particular, the fixed “grace period” during which personal savings were not taken into account is abolished, according to new rules:

- Applicants with significant savings must first use their own funds;

- The amount of "protected" savings will depend on age;

- Housing expenses will be recognized only to a limited extent.

Germany is preparing a whole package of winter updates that will directly affect Ukrainians living in the country: from new railway routes and rules for unmanned transport to changes in pension payments, taxes, health insurance and consumer rights. We have already told you what changes will come into force and how to prepare for them.

Focus on employment and retraining

Employment centers will focus primarily on the fastest possible employment of beneficiaries. At the same time, retraining or vocational training will remain a priority if they increase a person's chances of finding a job.

All support measures must be recorded in an individual cooperation plan, which will be developed jointly by the Jobcenter and the beneficiary.

What will be the amount of Bürgergeld payments after the changes are approved?

Despite the stricter requirements, the amounts of social assistance will remain unchanged:

- 563 euros – for single people and single parents;

- 506 euros – for people in partnerships;

- 357–451 euros – for minors plus an additional supplement of 20 euros.

In addition, the state will continue to cover rent, utilities and heating costs, but within “reasonable limits”.

Starting next year, German families will receive increased Kindergeld, and with it an updated official payment calendar from the Federal Employment Agency. Read about the new amounts and payment dates at the link.

Criticism and next steps

The reform proposed by the government of Friedrich Merz has sparked a wave of criticism from the opposition and even within the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), which is part of the ruling coalition. The final decision will depend on a vote in the Bundestag.

When will the new system of receiving social assistance in Germany come into effect? ​​

If approved by parliament, the new social assistance system should come into effect on July 1, 2026.

The Bürgergeld reform means a significant change in Germany's approach to social support: instead of a soft model, the state focuses on the active participation of recipients in employment and stricter control over compliance with requirements. For Ukrainians in Germany, this is primarily a signal to follow the rules of the Jobcenter more closely, respond to invitations in a timely manner, and prepare for possible changes in advance.

Changes in the Bürgergeld system may have individual consequences for foreigners and temporarily protected persons in Germany. To avoid mistakes in communicating with the Jobcenter and correctly assess your rights, it is advisable to consult a migration lawyer in advance. Professional advice will help you maintain social support and legal status.

Sign up for a consultation with a migration lawyer online and get personal recommendations today!

Recall! Germany has significantly tightened migration rules, changing asylum, deportation and naturalization procedures. We have already told you how the new laws will affect Ukrainians and who risks losing support.

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