What is Bürgergeld?

Bürgergeld is the central basic security benefit in Germany, which replaced the former “Unemployment Benefit II” (colloquially also called “Hartz IV”) on January 1, 2023. It is a state social benefit that is intended to support people who cannot cover their living expenses from their own resources.

Basic principle of Bürgergeld

Bürgergeld is based on the principle of securing the socio-cultural subsistence minimum. It is intended not only to ensure physical survival, but also to enable participation in social life. The benefit is usually paid monthly and includes various components.

The most important features at a glance

Legal basis: Social Code Book II (SGB II)
Responsibility: Job centers (joint institutions of the Federal Employment Agency and municipalities)
Target group: Employable benefit recipients and their dependents
Scope of benefits: Standard rate, housing costs, additional needs, one-time benefits

Essential differences from the former “Hartz IV” system

Bürgergeld introduced some significant changes compared to the former system:

Higher standard rates: The base amounts were increased.
More generous asset regulations: In the first 12 months (“grace period”), assets are only considered if they are substantial.
Improved housing cost regulations: During the grace period, actual housing costs are recognized.
Stronger focus on qualification: More support for training and further education instead of short-term placement.
Fewer sanctions: Sanction options were restricted and made more flexible.
Improved additional earnings: Better regulations for people who work and receive supplementary benefits.

Philosophy of Bürgergeld

At the core of Bürgergeld is a paradigm shift: away from a predominantly demanding system with sanction pressure, toward a more supportive basic security. The focus is on:

Strengthening personal responsibility
Sustainable integration into work through qualification
More respect and trust toward benefit recipients
Reducing bureaucracy
Better support in overcoming the need for assistance

Who is Bürgergeld intended for?

Bürgergeld is aimed at various groups of people:

Unemployed people without sufficient entitlement to Unemployment Benefit I
People with low income (“top-up recipients”)
People who cannot work temporarily for health reasons
Single parents who cannot work full-time due to care responsibilities
People in training under certain conditions

Conclusion

Bürgergeld represents a significant reform in German social law. It aims to bring more people into work sustainably while respecting the dignity of benefit recipients more strongly. Basic security should not only serve as a temporary “safety net”, but actively support people in sustainably improving their life situation.

In the further articles in this section, you will learn more about the specific entitlement requirements, benefit amounts, and application procedures for Bürgergeld.

Note: The information on this page is regularly updated, but cannot cover all individual case constellations. For personal advice, please contact an advice center or directly your responsible job center.