Overview
- An internal Bundesagentur review found major shortcomings in Jobcenter casework, with 81% of 180 long‑term cases still on benefits and some files created without any client contact.
- Agency figures reported for 2024 show a pronounced revolving‑door effect, with more than 52% of placed Bürgergeld recipients returning to benefits after roughly three months.
- The government’s 2026 plan would rebrand Bürgergeld as Grundsicherung and introduce stricter sanctions, including a 30% cut after a second missed appointment and possible suspension after a third, within constitutional limits set by the court.
- From December 2025, a legacy EM‑pension surcharge will be integrated into personal pension points, and from January 2026 the higher Bezugsgröße (€3,955 monthly) lifts EM earnings limits while the Zurechnungszeit for new EM pensions shifts to age 66 years and 3 months.
- At the legal interface of health and income support, full disability pensions end any Krankengeld entitlement and generally exclude Bürgergeld, whereas partial disability can preserve both limited Bürgergeld access and, depending on timing, reduced Krankengeld.