Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour has recalculated the standard rates for basic citizen’s income (Bürgergeld) for 2026, resulting in a freeze for the approximately 5.6 million recipients. A Ministry regulation, reported by “Bild am Sonntag”, indicates no increase in payments.
The Cabinet is scheduled to approve the freeze on September 10th and parliamentary approval is not required. A single recipient will continue to receive 563 euros per month, while payments for children remain at 357 euros (0-6 years), 390 euros (7-14 years) and 471 euros (15-18 years).
Concurrently, benefits for asylum seekers are slated to increase in 2026, rising by 14 euros to 455 euros per month. This adjustment is attributed to the absence of legal protection against changes in asylum seeker benefits, which saw a significant increase in 2024 followed by a 19 euro reduction in 2025.
Federal Labour Minister Bärbel Bas is also proposing stricter sanction rules alongside the benefit freeze. She stated her intention to improve engagement with recipients, with increased penalties for missed appointments. According to reports, a failure to attend scheduled appointments at job centers could result in a 30 percent reduction in benefits, up from the current 10 percent. Repeated job rejections by capable recipients may lead to a complete suspension of benefits, a policy supported by both the SPD and the CDU/CSU.
Minister Bas emphasized the focus on assisting individuals in finding employment, outlining plans for enhanced counselling, more intensive support and greater accountability. She asserted that while stronger support will be provided, those unwilling to participate will face increased difficulties.
