Bürgergeld is now called Grundsicherungsgeld

What is new?

Job placement

work or training has stronger priority. If a reasonable job is available, the Jobcenter first checks whether you can be placed directly. Further training remains possible if it is more promising for lasting employment.

Cooperation

if you fail to meet agreed duties without good reason, your benefits may be reduced – generally by 30% of the standard rate (Regelbedarf) for three months. The first missed appointment without good reason does not lead to a reduction; the second leads to 30% for one month. Further rules apply after three missed appointments in a row; under certain conditions the entitlement can end. If you refuse a concrete, reasonable job offer without good reason, stronger reductions apply and the standard rate can be withdrawn temporarily. Separate protective rules apply to rent. Good reasons and hardship are taken into account, and a personal conversation should take place first.

Savings

the grace period for savings has ended. Age-based allowances apply: €5,000 up to age 30, €10,000 from the 31st year of life, €12,500 from the 41st, €20,000 from the 51st. Protected assets such as reasonable household goods, a reasonable car, retirement provision or a home you live in remain protected under the legal conditions.

Housing costs

the one-year grace period generally remains. But even during this period, housing costs are usually covered only up to 1.5 times the local reasonableness limit; local rent caps (Mietpreisbremse) can also matter. Exceptions exist for hardship.

Parents

if childcare is available, the Jobcenter can generally require parents to take up work, measures or a language course once the child is 14 months old.