Overview
- The draft reintroduces a work‑first principle and stricter obligations, including full‑time job expectations, a 30% cut after two missed Jobcenter appointments, and possible full benefit removal for refusing suitable work.
- Asset rules would tighten by ending the initial grace period and applying age‑tiered exempt amounts (for example €5,000 under 30 and €20,000 at 50+), while housing costs face new caps including a 1.5× limit during the initial period and local square‑metre ceilings.
- Unions, welfare groups and child‑rights organizations warn of risks to children and housing security, urging the removal of 100% sanctions and stronger protections for households with kids, people with disabilities and those needing care.
- Government and CDU leaders defend the shift as a return to “Fördern und Fordern,” though official estimates project only modest savings this year and next, and around 5.3 to 5.5 million people currently receive Bürgergeld.
- Separate from the reform, housing benefit (Wohngeld) continues for roughly 1.2 million households with an average claim near €287 per month, follows published 2026 advance payment dates, and has no additional increase scheduled beyond the 2025 adjustment.