The amount of Bürgergeld civilian assistance payments depends on inflation and changes in wages. In 2024, the amount of social assistance was increased to 563 euros (for adults), but will payments be increased in 2025? Find out how the benefit amount is calculated and whether Ukrainians will be able to count on higher payments

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 In 2024, according to the approved resolution, the standard amounts of social assistance and Bürgergeld payments increased. But whether the amount will be revised in 2025 and what kind of assistance Ukrainians in Germany can expect - we will analyze further in the article.

What is Bürgergeld and how is the amount of assistance calculated?

Bürgergeld is intended for able-bodied citizens who have never worked in Germany, have been unemployed for more than a year, or earn little money despite being employed. But it is important to understand that this is not an unemployment benefit. It is believed that Bürgergeld is a successor to unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld, also known as Hartz IV) and is provided to citizens by the Jobcenter under certain conditions, one of which is “job search”.

Currently, Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive benefits on an equal footing with German citizens. This means that anyone who is looking for a job can receive Bürgergeld, regardless of whether they are a German citizen or a Ukrainian who has been granted temporary protection and registered with the Jobcenter.

The amount of Bürgergeld payments is based on data from the Low Income Household Expenditure Survey, which is conducted every five years. This survey allows the government to determine what basic needs should be covered by social benefits. As a rule, the amount of assistance should cover basic needs: food, clothing, utilities, healthcare, and communication. That is, Bürgergeld payments do not include expenses for such categories as alcohol, tobacco, cars, travel, pets, and gambling.

What is the amount of Bürgergeld payments in 2024?

On January 1, 2024, the benefit amount was increased. Thus, the standard benefit amounts increased by 12% and amounted to:

• 563 euros for single persons (instead of 502 euros);
• 506 euros for partners in married couples (451 euros);
• 451 euros for adults in institutions (402 euros);
• 471 euros for adolescents aged 14-17 (420 euros);
• 390 euros for children aged 6-13 (348 euros);
• 357 euros for children under 5 (318 euros).

It should be noted that in addition, payments for personal school supplies for students have also increased: from the first half of the school year from 116 euros to 130 euros, and in the next half of the year - from 58 euros to 65 euros.

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What will be the amount of the Bürgergeld payment in 2025?

As a rule, the amount of Bürgergeld is updated in line with inflation and changes in salaries. However, in 2024, inflation and wage growth did not reach levels that would require a revision of the benefit amount. This means that the Bürgergeld benefit will remain at the same level in 2025 as in 2024.

This decision has already been the subject of much debate, as rising prices for food and other essential goods and the general cost of living are causing concern for those who rely on social assistance to meet their basic needs.

Could Bürgergeld payments for Ukrainians be canceled in 2025?

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the general requirements for receiving Bürgergeld benefits may also become stricter. Moreover, according to the German Ministry of Labor, in 2025, inflation in the country could rise to 0 percent. This prompts the coalition to decide on a corresponding reduction in the amount of Bürgergeld or even a complete freeze on payments. Therefore, future budgetary changes, among other things, may include the introduction of financial sanctions for Bürgergeld recipients.

It is also worth noting that German politicians are increasingly calling for the deprivation of Ukrainians of Bürgergeld assistance to encourage them to find employment. However, the German government has no plans to cancel this assistance for Ukrainian refugees. Instead, the country will strengthen control measures over illegal employment to prevent abuse of benefits.

We remind you! Ukrainian citizens residing in Germany and receiving financial assistance from the employment center may lose part of their payments due to violations. Read our previous article to find out what kind of violations we are talking about and how much payments may be reduced.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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