Overview
- The change applies retroactively to people who entered Germany on or after 1 April 2025, with a transition that protects existing Bürgergeld or social assistance awards until they end or for up to three months after the law takes effect.
- For affected singles the monthly standard rate would drop from about €563 to €441, responsibility would shift from jobcenters to municipal social offices, and the Federal Employment Agency would support job searches.
- Roughly 80,000 to 83,000 people would lose statutory health insurance coverage and instead receive the more limited medical care defined under the asylum benefits law.
- Able‑bodied, non‑employed refugees would be required to seek work immediately, with authorities able to assign employment or mandate participation in integration courses.
- Government estimates show projected Bürgergeld savings of about €831 million in 2026 offset by roughly €862 million in additional asylum‑system costs, while critics from Greens, the Left and unions warn of weaker integration and higher local burdens and the Union praises stronger work incentives.