Question 1

What is Grundsicherungsgeld and what changed from Bürgergeld?

Accepted Answer

On 1 July 2026, as part of the Neue Grundsicherung reform, Bürgergeld was renamed Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support), following a Bundestag decision on 5 March 2026. The relevant section of the German Social Code (SGB II) is now titled "Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende". Authorities may continue to use the term Bürgergeld until 31 December 2026 during the transition. The main substantive changes concern the asset check (age-based exemptions instead of a grace period), a cap on housing costs, and stricter sanctions. The standard rates stay unchanged in 2026.

Question 2

How much is basic income support in 2026 for a single person?

Accepted Answer

The standard benefit rate for a single person in 2026 is unchanged at €563 per month. The other rates: partner in the household €506, adolescents (14–17) €471, young adults (18–24) €451, children (6–13) €390, and children (0–5) €357. On top of that, the Jobcenter covers housing costs (KdU) — rent and heating — at an appropriate level, so the total entitlement depends heavily on housing costs.

Question 3

Who is eligible for Grundsicherungsgeld?

Accepted Answer

You're eligible if you are capable of working (erwerbsfähig), in need of assistance (hilfebedürftig), between 15 and retirement age (currently 66), have your habitual residence in Germany, and cannot cover your living costs from your own income or assets. Members of your household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft) — partners and minor children — may also receive benefits. The reform did not change these basic requirements.

Question 4

How much in assets can I keep while on basic income support?

Accepted Answer

The one-year asset grace period (formerly €40,000 in the first year) and the flat €15,000-per-person exemption were abolished. Since 1 July 2026, an age-based exemption applies from day one, per person: up to 30 years €5,000, 31 to 40 years €10,000, 41 to 50 years €12,500, and 51+ years €20,000. These amounts are added up for every person in the household. Additionally protected: one appropriate vehicle (up to €15,000 value) per adult, a self-occupied property of appropriate size, retirement savings, and appropriate household goods.

Question 5

Does the Jobcenter cover my full rent?

Accepted Answer

The Jobcenter covers housing costs (KdU) at an appropriate level, with each district setting its own appropriateness limit. The first-year grace period (Karenzzeit) formally remains, but since the reform the actual costs are capped at 1.5× the local appropriateness limit. Exceptions apply for hardship cases and households with children. After the grace period, only the appropriate rent is covered and the Jobcenter may request cost reduction.

Question 6

How much can I earn while receiving benefits?

Accepted Answer

The employment income allowances are unchanged: the first €100 is completely free (basic allowance); between €100 and €520, 20% is exempt; between €520 and €1,000, 30%; between €1,000 and €1,200 (or €1,500 with children), 10%. The mini-job threshold (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze) is €603 in 2026. Working still pays off — a portion of your earnings always remains exempt.

Question 7

What sanctions apply to Grundsicherungsgeld?

Accepted Answer

Sanctions were tightened. For a breach of duty (Pflichtverletzung), the standard need is cut by a flat 30% for three months — the former escalating ladder of cuts is gone. For a missed appointment (Meldeversäumnis), a repeat can trigger a 30% cut for one month; missing three appointments in a row counts as being "not reachable" and benefits can be stopped. Anyone who wilfully refuses reasonable work risks a cut of up to 100% of the standard need, in force since 23 April 2026. Health and long-term care insurance contributions remain protected in all cases.

Question 8

Can I receive basic income support as a top-up to my salary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, so-called 'Aufstocker' (top-up recipients) can receive supplementary Grundsicherungsgeld if their employment income isn't enough to cover their household's living costs. Because the income allowances are unchanged, part of your earnings remains exempt — anyone who works always has more money available than someone relying solely on benefits.

Question 9

What documents do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

You'll need: ID card or passport, rental agreement and current utility bill statement, income proof for the last 3 months (pay slips, benefit notices), bank statements for all accounts for the last 3 months, proof of assets (savings books, portfolio statements), child benefit notice (if applicable), and if relevant, disability certificate or pregnancy confirmation.

Guide: Basic Income Support Calculator

Bürgergeld Becomes Basic Income Support: All Changes of the 2026 Reform

Citizens' Income in Germany 2026: The Complete Guide

How to Apply for Bürgergeld: Step-by-Step Guide

Bürgergeld and Employment: How Much Can You Earn on Top?

Housing Costs (KdU): What the Jobcenter Covers for Rent

Bürgergeld as Top-Up: When Your Salary Isn't Enough

Bürgergeld Asset Check: What Can You Keep?

You might also find useful

Housing Benefit Calculator

Side Income Tax Calculator

Child Support Calculator