German Citizens Allowance Calculator 2026

Bürgergeld: Germany's Basic Income Guarantee for Expats

The Bürgergeld (citizens' allowance) is Germany's primary social safety net for people of working age who cannot support themselves through their own income or assets. It replaced the former Arbeitslosengeld II (commonly known as Hartz IV) on January 1, 2023, under the Second Social Code (SGB II). For expats living in Germany, understanding this system is essential – not because you necessarily expect to need it, but because knowing the safety net exists and how it works provides peace of mind and helps with financial planning.

The Bürgergeld is administered by the Jobcenter, which is a joint institution of the Federal Employment Agency and the local municipality. It covers the basic needs of individuals and families who are employable but whose income is insufficient to meet their living costs. The benefit consists of three main components: the standard rate (Regelbedarf), housing and heating costs (Kosten der Unterkunft und Heizung), and potentially additional needs (Mehrbedarf) for specific life situations.

Standard Rates (Regelsätze) for 2026

The standard rates are adjusted annually and are intended to cover everyday living expenses including food, clothing, personal hygiene, household goods, electricity, and personal needs. Housing costs are covered separately. The current rates are:

Housing and Heating Costs (Kosten der Unterkunft)

In addition to the standard rate, the Jobcenter covers the actual costs of rent and heating, provided they are deemed reasonable (angemessen). What counts as reasonable depends on local housing market conditions, the number of people in the household, and local guidelines:

• 1 person: typically 45 to 50 square metres
• 2 persons: typically 60 square metres
• 3 persons: typically 75 square metres
• 4 persons: typically 85 to 90 square metres

During the first 12 months of receiving Bürgergeld (the waiting period or Karenzzeit), your actual housing costs are covered regardless of whether they are deemed reasonable. This provision was introduced to prevent people from having to move immediately upon losing their income. After the waiting period, if your rent exceeds the local reasonable amount, the Jobcenter may ask you to reduce your housing costs, either by negotiating with your landlord, finding a cheaper apartment, or subletting a room.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Bürgergeld, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Between 15 years old and the statutory retirement age
2. Capacity to work (Erwerbsfähigkeit): You must be physically and mentally capable of working at least 3 hours per day under normal labour market conditions
3. Residence in Germany: You must have your usual place of residence in Germany
4. Need (Hilfebedürftigkeit): Your income and assets are insufficient to cover your living costs and those of the members of your household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft)

Eligibility for Expats

Access to Bürgergeld for non-German nationals depends on your residence status:

• EU/EEA citizens: Generally eligible after an initial adjustment period, particularly if they have previously worked in Germany. There is an exclusion during the first three months of residence and for those who entered Germany solely to seek work.
• Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) holders: Generally entitled to Bürgergeld on the same terms as German citizens
• Temporary residence permit holders: Access depends on the specific type of permit. Holders of work-related permits may be eligible under certain conditions.
• Asylum seekers and refugees: Recognized refugees with a residence permit are eligible. Asylum seekers during the application process receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG) instead.

Income Allowances for Working Recipients

One of the key features of Bürgergeld is that you can work and earn income while receiving benefits, with generous allowances designed to incentivize employment. The income that is not deducted from your Bürgergeld is calculated as follows:

For example, if you earn €1,000 gross per month from a part-time job, the following is exempt from deduction: €100 (basic) + €84 (20% of €420) + €144 (30% of €480) = €328 exempt. The remaining €672 would be deducted from your Bürgergeld entitlement.

Asset Protection (Vermögensfreibeträge)

Unlike the former Hartz IV system, Bürgergeld provides more generous asset protection:

• During the waiting period (first 12 months): €15,000 per person in the household is protected. Assets exceeding this amount must be used before Bürgergeld is paid.
• After the waiting period: The standard asset protection limit is €15,000 per person.
• Retirement savings: Assets in state-subsidized retirement accounts (such as Riester contracts) are generally fully protected.
• Owner-occupied property: A self-occupied house or apartment of reasonable size is protected and does not need to be sold.
• Vehicle: One car per employable person in the household is generally protected, provided its value is reasonable (typically up to €15,000).

Additional Needs (Mehrbedarf)

In certain situations, you may be entitled to additional payments beyond the standard rate:

• Single parents: 12% to 60% supplement depending on the number and age of children
• Pregnant women: 17% supplement from the 13th week of pregnancy
• Disabled persons: 35% supplement for certain disability benefits
• Medical dietary needs: Variable supplement for medically necessary special diets
• Hot water heating: Small supplement if hot water is not included in heating costs

Application Process

To apply for Bürgergeld, you need to visit your local Jobcenter. You can find the responsible Jobcenter through the Federal Employment Agency website. The application process involves:

1. Initial consultation: A personal appointment at the Jobcenter where your situation is assessed
2. Application form: Completing the detailed application form (Hauptantrag), which covers your personal circumstances, household members, income, and assets
3. Documentation: Providing proof of identity, residence registration, lease agreement, income statements, bank statements, and other relevant documents
4. Integration agreement: After approval, you will agree on a cooperation plan (Kooperationsplan) with your case manager, outlining steps toward finding employment

For expats, it is advisable to bring a German-speaking friend or to request an interpreter if your German language skills are limited. The Jobcenter is generally obligated to provide interpretation assistance for official appointments.

Obligations While Receiving Bürgergeld

Receiving Bürgergeld comes with several obligations:

• Active job seeking: You must actively look for work and document your efforts
• Accepting reasonable job offers: You are expected to accept reasonable employment offers and participate in integration measures
• Reporting changes: Any changes in income, assets, household composition, or other circumstances must be reported to the Jobcenter immediately
• Availability: You must be reachable and attend all scheduled appointments at the Jobcenter

Failure to comply with these obligations can result in benefit reductions (Leistungsminderungen). Under the reformed system, the maximum reduction is 30% of the standard rate, and reductions can only be imposed after a written warning.

Bürgergeld and Health Insurance

While receiving Bürgergeld, you are covered by statutory health insurance at no cost to you. The Jobcenter pays the health insurance and long-term care insurance contributions directly to your health insurance provider. If you were previously privately insured, you may be able to retain your private insurance, with the Jobcenter paying a subsidy. However, for most recipients, statutory health insurance coverage through the Jobcenter is the standard arrangement.

Practical Tips for Expats

• Apply promptly: Bürgergeld is paid from the date of application, not retroactively. Do not delay if you anticipate needing support.
• Keep your registration current: Ensure your residence registration (Anmeldung) is up to date, as the Jobcenter requires proof of German residence.
• Consider Wohngeld first: If your income is close to covering your needs, you may be eligible for housing allowance (Wohngeld) instead, which is a non-means-tested benefit that may be more favourable depending on your circumstances.
• Explore training opportunities: The Jobcenter can fund German language courses and professional training, which can significantly improve your employment prospects.
• Check your residence permit: Receiving Bürgergeld can affect certain residence permits. Consult with the Ausländerbehörde if you are unsure about the implications for your immigration status.