Bürgergeld, literally translated as “Citizen’s Money,” is a social welfare benefit in Germany designed to support individuals and their dependents who do not have sufficient income to sustain themselves.
What is “Bürgergeld”?
Bürgergeld is a state welfare benefit introduced in Germany to replace the previous system known as Arbeitslosengeld IIALG II, short for "Arbeitslosengeld II" and also known as Hartz IV, is a form of welfare assistance in Germany.... More or Hartz IVALG II, short for "Arbeitslosengeld II" and also known as Hartz IV, is a form of welfare assistance in Germany.... More. It aims to provide financial assistance to those who are unemployed or do not earn enough to cover their basic needs, including food, clothing, and housing. The eligibility criteria for receiving Bürgergeld include being in need of assistance, capable of working, at least 15 years old (but not yet at the pension age), and having Germany as the center of life. For non-German citizens, additional requirements related to their residency status and previous employment in Germany apply[1].
More information about “Bürgergeld”
Introduced on January 1, 2023, Bürgergeld represents a significant reform in Germany’s social welfare system, aiming to provide more dignified support to individuals in need. It includes a higher unemployment grant compared to its predecessor, with adult jobseekers living alone receiving a default sum of €502 per month. Additionally, Bürgergeld allows beneficiaries to hold a higher amount of personal wealth without affecting their grant and has introduced changes to the sanctions system, aiming for a more supportive approach towards helping individuals reintegrate into the workforce[9].
Related to “Bürgergeld”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Bürgergeld:
- Arbeitslosengeld IIALG II, short for "Arbeitslosengeld II" and also known as Hartz IV, is a form of welfare assistance in Germany.... More (Hartz IVALG II, short for "Arbeitslosengeld II" and also known as Hartz IV, is a form of welfare assistance in Germany.... More): The predecessor to Bürgergeld, a social welfare benefit for job-seekers in Germany.
- Bedarfsgemeinschaft: A term referring to a “community of need,” which includes individuals and their dependents eligible for Bürgergeld.
- Regelbedarf: The “standard support requirement,” indicating the fixed-rate amounts intended to cover daily living expenses for Bürgergeld recipients.
Bürgergeld is a cornerstone of Germany’s social welfare system, aiming to provide more humane and supportive assistance to those in need.