Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Germany to Shift New Ukrainian Refugees From Bürgergeld to Asylum Benefits

Officials expect lower payments with a shift to local social offices to yield no net savings.

Overview

  • The federal cabinet is set to approve the draft reform today, a step confirmed by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
  • The rule targets Ukrainians who arrived after 1 April 2025, moving them off Bürgergeld to the Asylum Seekers' Benefits system rather than applying changes retroactively.
  • Monthly support for single adults would fall from about €563 to roughly €441, and initial coverage would switch to basic healthcare instead of statutory insurance.
  • Administrative responsibility would move from Jobcenters to municipal social welfare offices, raising concerns from the Federal Employment Agency about reduced access to integration and job placement services.
  • The reform adds mandatory job-seeking and asset checks with potential benefit cuts for noncompliance, while the Labour Ministry and municipal groups say federal savings will likely be offset by local costs; Greens criticize the plan and the Union backs it.