Germany Abolishes ‘Citizen’s Benefit’

As of 1 July 2026, Germany has introduced a new social assistance system for unemployed and financially vulnerable individuals.

The Citizen’s Benefit (Bürgergeld) has been replaced by the Basic Security Allowance (Grundsicherungsgeld).

Under the new system, unemployed recipients will face stricter obligations, while benefit reductions for rule violations will be imposed more quickly.

Although the monthly basic allowance of €563 for a single recipient remains unchanged from the previous Citizen’s Benefit scheme, significant restrictions have been introduced, particularly regarding housing and heating cost coverage.

Source: Hürriyet