In a roll-call vote on Thursday, the German Parliament ('Deutscher Bundestag') passed the change of the 'Bürgergeld' ('citizen's money') into a new 'Grundsicherung' ('basic security'). The law, which is set to gradually take effect from July 1, 2026, marks a significant change in German social policy. The Federal Government is thus reacting to the tight budget situation and the goal of integrating employable people into the job market faster.
Key points of the reform are stricter cooperation requirements and an expanded sanction system. If reasonable job offers or qualification measures are refused, benefit payments will soon be cut by 30 percent for three months. The rules for missed appointments are particularly drastic: After the third missed appointment at the 'Jobcenter', a complete withdrawal of benefits can occur, which can also affect the costs for accommodation and heating in the following month. The 'Jobcenter' also receive the authority to request medical certificates for repeated absence.
The coalition of the 'Union' and the 'SPD' defended the new regulation as a necessary balance between solidarity and personal responsibility. While the 'Union' celebrated the end of the 'Bürgergeld' as the fulfillment of a central promise, representatives of the 'SPD' emphasized that protection mechanisms for families with children and hardship clauses in tight housing markets remained in place. Criticism came from the 'Linken' and the 'Grünen', who warned of social decline and stigmatization of those affected. The new regulation also stipulates that refugees from Ukraine will receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act in the future if they entered after April 1, 2025.
