Standard Rates in Bürgergeld
Standard Rates in Bürgergeld
The standard rate (also called standard need) is a central component of Bürgergeld. It is intended to cover the costs of daily life on a lump-sum basis. In this article, you will learn everything about the current standard rates, their composition, and the annual adjustment.
Current Standard Rates (as of March 2025)
The amount of the standard need depends on age and position in the benefit community. The following monthly standard rates currently apply:
| Standard Need Level | Population Group | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single persons, single parents, adults with minor partner | 563 € |
| 2 | Adult partners within a benefit community (per person) | 506 € |
| 3 | Adults under 25 years in parental household, persons in residential facilities | 451 € |
| 4 | Adolescents aged 14 to 17 years | 471 € |
| 5 | Children aged 6 to 13 years | 390 € |
| 6 | Children aged 0 to 5 years | 357 € |
Development of Standard Rates Since Introduction of Bürgergeld
The standard rates are adjusted annually on January 1. Here is the development since the introduction of Bürgergeld:
| Year | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 502 € | 451 € | 402 € | 420 € | 348 € | 318 € |
| 2024 | 563 € | 506 € | 451 € | 471 € | 390 € | 357 € |
| 2025 | 563 € | 506 € | 451 € | 471 € | 390 € | 357 € |
Note: Since an exceptionally high adjustment was made in 2024, the rates for 2025 were kept stable.
What is Included in the Standard Rate?
The standard rate is intended to cover all standard need-relevant expenses. The percentage distribution is based on the Income and Consumption Sample (EVS) and for a single adult (standard need level 1) is composed as follows:
| Category | Need Position | Share in % | Amount in € |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Food, non-alcoholic beverages | 34.39% | 193.61 € |
| 2 | Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products | 2.68% | 15.09 € |
| 3 | Clothing and shoes | 7.74% | 43.58 € |
| 4 | Housing, energy, housing maintenance (excluding housing costs) | 8.68% | 48.87 € |
| 5 | Interior furnishings, household appliances and items | 6.58% | 37.04 € |
| 6 | Health care | 4.19% | 23.59 € |
| 7 | Transport | 10.21% | 57.48 € |
| 8 | Post and telecommunications | 7.85% | 44.20 € |
| 9 | Leisure, entertainment, culture | 9.65% | 54.33 € |
| 10 | Education | 0.34% | 1.91 € |
| 11 | Accommodation and restaurant services | 2.42% | 13.62 € |
| 12 | Other goods and services | 5.27% | 29.67 € |
| Total | 100% | 563 € |
These amounts are average values and may vary individually. The lump-sum approach means that you can decide for yourself how to distribute the money across the individual need positions.
What is NOT Included in the Standard Rate?
The following costs are not included in the standard rate and are considered separately:
- Housing costs (rent, utilities)
- Heating costs
- Additional needs (e.g., for single parents, pregnant women)
- One-time benefits (e.g., initial furnishings)
- Education and participation benefits for children
How are Standard Rates Determined and Adjusted?
Basis: Income and Consumption Sample (EVS)
The standard rates are based on the consumption expenditures of households with low incomes, recorded in the Income and Consumption Sample (EVS). This statistical survey is conducted every five years.
Annual Adjustment
Between EVS surveys, the standard rates are adjusted annually on January 1. The adjustment takes into account:
- 70% of the price development for standard need-relevant goods and services
- 30% of the development of net wages and salaries per employed worker
This mixed indexing is intended to ensure that benefit recipients participate in both rising wages and rising prices.
Criticism of Standard Rate Determination
The method of determining standard rates is repeatedly subject to criticism:
- Circular argument: Since the comparison group already includes social benefit recipients and low-wage earners, this could lead to an underestimation of actual need.
- Exclusion of certain positions: Some expense positions are classified as not standard need-relevant and are excluded.
- Lump-sum approach: The lump-sum approach does not take into account individual needs or regional price differences.
- Time lag: The underlying data is already several years old at the time of application.
Special Situations
Minor Parents
Minor parents living in their parents’ household receive the standard rate of level 4-6 (depending on age). For their child, the corresponding child standard rate is paid.
Shared Custody Model with Separated Parents
In a shared custody model where the child lives equally with both parents, the child standard rate can be split.
Temporary Absence
In case of temporary absence (e.g., hospital stay), the standard rate continues to be paid, but for residential stays of 8 weeks or more, it is reduced by 50%.
Practical Tips for Dealing with the Standard Rate
Budget Planning
The standard rate is intended to cover all standard need-relevant expenses of the month. Careful budget planning is therefore important:
- Get an overview: List all regular expenses
- Set priorities: Distinguish between necessary and desirable expenses
- Build reserves: Try to set aside small amounts for unforeseen expenses
- Identify savings potential: Check where you can save (e.g., mobile phone tariff, energy costs)
Help with Financial Shortages
If the standard rate is not sufficient, there are the following options:
- Loan from Jobcenter: In case of unavoidable need, the Jobcenter can grant a loan
- Counseling centers: Debt counseling or social counseling centers can provide support
- Food banks and other assistance: Food distribution and social stores relieve the budget
- Review of other entitlements: Check if you are entitled to other benefits (e.g., housing benefit, child supplement)
Conclusion
The standard rate is designed as a lump sum intended to cover basic subsistence. The regular adjustment is intended to ensure participation in social life. Nevertheless, living on the standard rate often requires careful planning and prioritization of expenses.
For more information on other components of Bürgergeld, such as housing costs or additional needs, please read the corresponding articles in this section.
Note: The amounts stated correspond to the status as of March 2025. Future changes will be regularly updated in this article.