The total citizen‑welfare spending by the federal government, the states and local authorities rose to €57.1 billion in 2024, according to new figures from the Federal Employment Agency cited by the Bild Saturday edition.
On average each of the roughly 2.9 million households that qualify for the benefit received €19 475 during the year, or about €1 623 per month. This is 15 % higher than the average in 2022, when each household received €16 879, and an increase from €18 105 in 2023.
Of the total expenditure, the rule rates made up the largest share in 2024, amounting to €22.06 billion. Allocation within this category included:
– €17.46 billion for accommodation and heating,
– €7.17 billion for social‑security contributions (health and nursing insurance),
– €3.68 billion for integration programmes,
– €6.45 billion for administrative costs,
– a residual €260 million for other benefits.
The highest payments per household were observed in Offenbach (€22 277), followed closely by Groß‑Gerau (€22 259) and the Main‑Taunus district (€22 255). Essen (€22 027) and Hamburg (€21 790) also surpassed the national average. Rural areas such as Miesbach (€15 736) and Oberallgäu (€15 984) recorded the lowest figures. The spread between the most and least generous Jobcentres amounts to €6 541 per household per year.
Differences in local rent levels, housing costs, the number of children in a household and the share of so‑called “Aufstocker” (households that have increased in size to qualify for higher benefits) are cited as main drivers of the regional variations.
