Overview

• The Bürgergeld program, launched in 2023 to replace Hartz IV, is undergoing reforms to address administrative delays and improve support services.
• The coalition government aims to clarify employability definitions and reduce determination delays, which currently can take over 12 months due to multi-agency involvement.
• Jobcenter head Lutz Mania has called for a single authority to handle employability decisions, reducing bureaucratic uncertainty for recipients.
• New measures focus on strengthening job placement services and expanding health promotion and rehabilitation programs, as outlined in the coalition agreement.
• Recent data shows 91% of recipients are actively working to leave the system, though a minority face significant barriers such as health issues and caregiving responsibilities.