The German government has announced stricter rules for receiving basic social benefits (“Bürgergeld”), which are paid, in particular, to Ukrainian citizens with protection status. This was reported by Deutsche Welle. The new assistance will now be called “New Basic Security.”
Source: OBOZREVATEL
Key changes:
- Missing one appointment at the employment center — benefit reduced by 30%.
- Second missed appointment — an additional 30% reduction.
- Third missed appointment — payments are completely stopped.
- If absent in the following month — housing and heating payments are suspended.
“Those who do not participate will face difficulties. We are tightening sanctions to the limit allowed under constitutional law,” said Labor Minister Berbel Bas.
In 2025, the amount of basic assistance will be 563 euros per month for German citizens and 441 euros for other asylum seekers, including Ukrainians. In addition, non-material support is provided: health insurance, housing, and other needs, with the amount of assistance depending on the recipient’s financial situation.
Sanctions for refusing work
The Merz government has also introduced restrictions for those who refuse a reasonable job offer without valid reasons (for example, due to health conditions) — they may lose their benefits.
Furthermore, the preferential period for excessive housing costs and the “quarantine period” for property assessment has been canceled. The amount of the tax-free minimum will now depend on age and the duration of contributions to the unemployment insurance system.