Should Ukrainians expect an increase in Bürgergeld payments from Germany in 2025?

In 2024, a resolution was passed that provides for a significant increase in the standard amounts of social assistance in Germany, including Bürgergeld, a type of social support for citizens with low incomes. This increase was an important step in the context of strengthening social guarantees for German citizens, as well as for Ukrainians who received temporary protection in this country. However, the question arises whether there will be a further increase in these payments in 2025, and what support Ukrainian refugees can expect in the coming years.

Ukrainians who fled the war were given the opportunity to enjoy the social benefits of Germany on an equal basis with its citizens. This includes the right to Bürgergeld, a benefit designed to support those without a stable income. At the moment, the question of whether to revise the size of this benefit in 2025 remains open, but the government is already actively discussing possible changes, given the economic challenges and the rising cost of living. Therefore, it is important to understand in detail what Bürgergeld is, how it is calculated and what payments Ukrainians can expect in the coming years.

What is Bürgergeld and how is it calculated?

Bürgergeld is social assistance for able-bodied citizens who have been unemployed for a long time or have insufficient income. It was created as a successor to the previous “Hartz IV” assistance program and is provided to citizens who have turned to the Jobcenter to find a job. This is not an ordinary unemployment benefit, as it is given to those who have been without a permanent job for a long time or receive low wages.

It is important to emphasize that Bürgergeld payments are based on surveys of the expenditure of low-income households, which are carried out every five years. This allows the state to determine the minimum necessary to cover basic human needs such as food, housing, clothing, health care and communication. However, Bürgergeld does not include expenses for categories such as entertainment, tobacco, alcohol or keeping pets.

Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive social assistance at the same level as German citizens. This means that they can count on Bürgergeld provided that they are registered with the Jobcenter and looking for work. Such support covers the basic needs of refugees, giving them time and the opportunity to adapt to new living conditions.

What are the amounts of Bürgergeld payments in 2024

From January 1, 2024, there was a significant increase in payments, which amounted to an average of 12% compared to the previous year. The amounts of payments became as follows:

• 563 euros for single persons (was 502 euros),
• 506 euros for partners in married couples (it was 451 euros),
• 451 euros for adults living in special institutions (it was 402 euros),
• 471 euros for teenagers from 14 to 17 years old (it was 420 euros),
• 390 euros for children aged 6 to 13 (was 348 euros),
• 357 euros for children under 5 years old (was 318 euros).

In addition to basic payments, assistance for personal school supplies for students has also been increased. From the beginning of 2024, the amount of this benefit has increased from 116 to 130 euros in the first half of the year and from 58 to 65 euros in the second.

Will there be an increase in payments in 2025?

There is still no official confirmation of an increase in social assistance amounts in 2025, but experts predict that a revision of payments is possible due to inflationary pressures and an increase in the cost of living. Since Germany continues to accept refugees and adapt its social policy to new realities, the issue of increasing social benefits remains relevant both for German citizens and for Ukrainians who have received temporary protection.

In the coming years, Ukrainian refugees can count on support from the German state in the form of Bürgergeld. However, it remains an open question whether this aid will be able to fully cover their needs, taking into account the economic situation in the country. It is important to follow changes in legislation to be prepared for possible changes in the rules of social benefits in 2025.