Citizen's Allowance / Basic Income Support Germany 2026 – Amount, Eligibility and What's Changing
Since July 1, 2026, Germany's "Bürgergeld" benefit is being gradually renamed "Grundsicherungsgeld". The benefit amount does not change, but there are new rules on assets, housing costs, and cooperation duties. This guide explains who is eligible — including foreigners — how much money is available in 2026, and how the application process works.
Name Change: From Bürgergeld to Grundsicherungsgeld
The law reforming basic income support for jobseekers took effect gradually starting July 1, 2026: the cash benefit "Bürgergeld" is being renamed "Grundsicherungsgeld". Existing decisions still using "Bürgergeld" remain valid in substance and will be updated over time. Besides the name, the main changes concern asset rules, the housing cost cap, and sanctions for duty violations (see below). Anyone able to work who cannot sufficiently support themselves remains entitled.
How Much Is Grundsicherungsgeld in 2026?
The standard rates are unchanged from 2025 (a protection clause under §28a para. 5 SGB XII prevents a reduction despite lower inflation):
- 563 euros — single adults / single parents
- 506 euros per partner — couples / needs communities
- 451 euros — adults under 25 without their own household / in institutions
- 471 euros — teenagers aged 14–17
- 390 euros — children aged 6–13
- 357 euros — children aged 0–5
On top of the standard rate come the actual housing and heating costs (KdU), insofar as they are reasonable under local rules. The amount accepted depends on the municipality, household size and heating costs. There is therefore no reliable flat nationwide total.
New Rules Since July 1, 2026
- Assets: The one-year grace period for assets has been abolished. Protected savings are now tiered by age: up to 30 years 5,000 €, from 31 years 10,000 €, from 41 years 12,500 €, from 51 years 20,000 €. A reasonable car and owner-occupied property still don't count as assets.
- Housing costs: Rent reasonableness is checked from the first day of benefits. During the one-year grace period for rent (not heating), a cap of 1.5 times the local reasonableness threshold applies. Households with children get extra hardship protection.
- Duty violations: Dropping out of a support program or refusing to apply for jobs risks a 30% cut to the standard rate for three months at a time.
- Missed appointments: The first missed Jobcenter appointment has no consequence; from the second, a 30% cut applies for one month. Repeated unreachability can result in losing the entire benefit entitlement, including housing costs.
Who Is Eligible — Including Foreigners?
Anyone able to work, habitually resident in Germany, and unable to fully support themselves is entitled. This generally applies to foreigners too, but with additional conditions under §7 SGB II:
EU/EEA Citizens and Swiss Nationals
Full entitlement if employed or self-employed in Germany. If involuntarily unemployed after at least 12 months of insured employment, entitlement continues. Those in Germany solely to look for work are not entitled.
Third-Country Nationals
Entitlement requires a residence permit that qualifies for benefits, in particular:
- Settlement permit or EU long-term residence permit
- Recognition as a refugee or subsidiary protection status
- Residence permit for employment after several years of work
- Temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine (§24 AufenthG)
Those who are neither employees, self-employed, nor entitled to freedom of movement under §2 para. 3 FreizügG/EU generally have no entitlement in the first three months after moving to Germany — except with humanitarian residence permits.
How to Apply for Grundsicherungsgeld — Step by Step
- 1Find the responsible Jobcenter and apply
The Jobcenter at your place of residence is responsible. You can apply online via the Bundesagentur für Arbeit's eServices, with a paper form in person, or by mail. Benefits are generally not paid for months before you apply. However, under Section 37 SGB II, the application takes effect from the first day of the application month — so an application on the 20th can cover that month from the 1st if you were eligible.
- 2Fill out the main application plus additional forms
Depending on your situation, additional forms are needed — for example "Anlage KdU" for housing costs or "Anlage EK" for income proof.
- 3Submit documents and attend the appointment
The Jobcenter usually invites you to an initial in-person meeting. Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
- 4Wait for the decision and payment
Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks. After approval, payment is made monthly in advance.
What Documents Do You Need?
- ID card or passport
- For foreigners: residence permit / fictional certificate
- Rental agreement and proof of monthly housing costs
- Bank statements from the last three months
- Proof of income (payslips, ALG1 decision, etc.)
- Birth certificates for children in the household
- Proof of assets (savings books, insurance policies)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bürgergeld now called Grundsicherungsgeld?
Yes, gradually since July 1, 2026. Older decisions with "Bürgergeld" remain valid; the amount doesn't change due to the renaming.
How much is Bürgergeld / Grundsicherungsgeld in 2026?
563 euros for single adults, 506 euros per partner for couples, plus actual reasonable housing costs.
Can foreigners apply for Grundsicherungsgeld?
Yes, with restrictions: EU citizens after 12 months of employment if involuntarily unemployed, third-country nationals with a qualifying residence permit.
Does it endanger my residence permit?
No, with permanent permits. Possibly with temporary permits requiring self-sufficiency — get advice beforehand.
How much savings can I keep?
Tiered by age: 5,000 € (up to 30), 10,000 € (from 31), 12,500 € (from 41), 20,000 € (from 51).