Germany is reforming social benefits for the unemployed Bürgergeld: what will change for Ukrainians

Germany is reforming its social assistance system for the unemployed, which benefits millions of people, including Ukrainian refugees. Find out how the rules for Bürgergeld payments will change, what sanctions will be imposed on recipients of assistance, and when the new system will come into effect

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Germany is changing its social assistance system for the unemployed, which currently benefits millions of people, including hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. The Bundestag voted in favor of reforming Bürgergeld (“citizens' money”) payments, introducing a new support model and stricter rules for receiving assistance. This was reported by Deutsche Welle.

The changes are explained by the need to encourage people to look for work more actively amid the protracted economic crisis. The new rules will come into effect gradually starting July 1.

Bürgergeld will be replaced by a new social assistance system

After the reform, unemployment benefits in Germany will be renamed “new basic security.” The changes affect more than just the name of the program. The law provides for stricter requirements for social assistance recipients, as well as a system of sanctions in case of violation of the established rules. In particular, if a person:

● refuses to participate in training courses;

● ignores job offers;

● misses mandatory meetings at employment centers (Jobcenter),

their social benefits may be reduced or completely suspended.

For example, refusal to participate in training or retraining programs may result in a 30% reduction in benefits for three months. In the event of repeated violations, the sanctions may be more severe.

How will the payment rules change?

In addition to sanctions, the law provides for new mechanisms to control the use of social assistance. If penalties are imposed on the recipient, the funds intended to pay for housing may be transferred directly to the landlord rather than to the recipient. In this way, the government is trying to ensure that basic living expenses — primarily housing costs — are covered even if benefits are reduced.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How much are social benefits in Germany?

Despite the reform, the amount of basic benefits remains unchanged for now. Currently, it is:

● €563 per month for single persons (excluding rent and health insurance);

● €506 for each spouse;

● €357 to €451 for children, depending on their age.

These benefits were last revised in January 2024, when they were increased by approximately 12%.

How many people receive social assistance in Germany?

The social assistance system for the unemployed covers a significant number of people. In total, about 5.5 million people receive payments. Among them:

● approximately 800,000 people are employed, but their income is insufficient to cover basic expenses;

● about 1.8 million are children and adolescents.

It is important to note that basic assistance in Germany is the last resort of social support. Initially, a person who has lost their job receives unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld). These amount to approximately two-thirds of their last salary. These payments can be made for up to two years.

Only if a person does not find a job during this time are they entitled to apply for basic social assistance.

How will the reform affect Ukrainians?

Almost half of the recipients of basic social assistance are foreigners. According to German statistics, they account for 48% of the total. Among them are hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who left for Germany after the start of the full-scale war.

Between 2022 and 2025, Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the country without sufficient financial resources and were unable to find work immediately were entitled to receive Bürgergeld. Many Ukrainians continue to receive these payments today, so the new rules may directly affect them.

Given the changes in the social assistance system, it is important for Ukrainians in Germany to closely follow the new rules and requirements of employment centers. This applies in particular to participation in integration programs, retraining courses, and regular meetings at the Jobcenter.

In complex cases — for example, if questions arise regarding residence status, social rights, or employment — Ukrainians may need professional assistance. In particular, migration lawyers at Visit Ukraine help to navigate the rules of residence, social benefits, and paperwork in European countries.

We remind you! The European Union has already begun discussing future decisions for Ukrainians after the temporary protection expires in 2027. Read what EU countries plan to discuss, which issues remain open, and how this may affect Ukrainians in Europe.

Photo: K. Schmitt/Fotostand/picture alliance

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

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.