‘Bürgergeld’ to Be Replaced by ‘Grundsicherung’: Sanctions Introduced for Those Refusing Work

Germany is set to reform its welfare system, replacing Bürgergeld with Grundsicherung, with the core of the new regulation focusing on faster and stricter sanctions for those deemed unwilling to cooperate.

In cases of obligation violations—such as refusing an acceptable job offer—monthly benefits may be reduced by 30 percent for three months, corresponding to a cut of approximately 150 euros per month under current rates.

Repeated violations, including missed appointments, would trigger progressively harsher penalties, ultimately leading to a complete suspension of benefits.

Bürgergeld is granted to individuals who are able to work but cannot fully cover their living expenses with their own income.

Around 5.5 million people currently receive this benefit. Among them, 800,000 individuals are employed but rely on supplementary support due to low wages.

The total recipient group also includes approximately 1.8 million children and young people. Nearly 48 percent of beneficiaries are of foreign origin.

Spending on Bürgergeld reached a record 51.7 billion euros in 2024.

• Of this amount, 29.2 billion euros went to basic payments,

• 12.4 billion euros to rent and heating costs,

• 3.7 billion euros to labor market integration services,

• and 6.5 billion euros to administrative expenses.

A similar level of expenditure is expected in 2025.

Source: Avrupadan