Citizen's income (Bürgergeld)

Rechtab 9 J.

Germany's basic state benefit for jobseekers (replaced “Hartz IV” in 2023). Standard rate 2026: about €563/month for a single person + rent + heating.

Bürgergeld (citizen's income) is the state basic income support for people who are able to work but cannot cover their own living costs. In 2023 it replaced the former "Hartz IV" (unemployment benefit II) in Germany.

Standard rates (2026):

• Single people: approx. €563/month
• Couples: approx. €506/month each
• Children 14–17: approx. €471/month
• Children 6–13: approx. €390/month
• Children 0–5: approx. €357/month

In addition, the job centre covers: rent and heating costs (to a reasonable extent), health and long-term care insurance contributions.

Difference from ALG I: unemployment benefit I is paid after losing a job (60–67% of the last net income, max. 12–24 months). Bürgergeld comes after that – as basic income support.

Did you know? Around 5.5 million people receive citizen's income, including 1.7 million children under 18. Total cost: more than €40 billion a year.

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