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Bye-bye citizen's money: New strict rules for those seeking help from 2026!
From 2026, the new basic security will replace citizens' money with stricter rules. Find out more about requirements and changes!
Bye-bye citizen's money: New strict rules for those seeking help from 2026!
The Union has prevailed: the citizens' benefit system is being transformed into a new basic security for job seekers. This was anchored in the coalition agreement of April 9, 2025. The new regulations will come into force from 2026 and will bring with them far-reaching changes for all recipients of basic security. Citizens' benefit, which has existed since 2023, is about to expire after two years. Recipients must prepare for stricter frameworks and obligations, such as South Courier reported.
The new basic security will be characterized in particular by stricter sanctions and an increased obligation to cooperate. In the future, unemployed people will be obliged to actively seek employment. The Federal Employment Agency and the job centers should provide support. But anyone who has rejected benefits that require assistance or has not accepted a reasonable job can be sanctioned more quickly and less bureaucratically - up to and including the complete withdrawal of benefits. However, the Federal Constitutional Court's requirements for benefit reductions are observed, which stipulate that reductions of more than 30% are inadmissible.
Changes in the calculation of standard rates
As part of the reform, the calculation procedure for the standard rates will also be adjusted. This will be aligned with the legal status before the corona pandemic. The planned standard rates for the year 2025/2026 will initially remain at the level of citizens' money, as follows:
| Group of people | Standard rate (in euros) |
|---|---|
| Single people/single parents | 563 |
| Couples (per partner) | 506 |
| Children 0-5 years | 357 |
| Children 6-13 years | 390 |
| Young people 14-17 years old | 471 |
The actual costs of accommodation and heating will be covered if they are considered reasonable. At the same time, access to essential data is made easier for authorities in order to prevent misuse of social benefits. A complete data exchange between social, financial and security authorities is planned.
New rules for basic security
The changes to the new basic security are aimed at faster and more sustainable integration into the labor market. In addition to restoring placement priority, the obligation to cooperate should also be tightened, especially in the event of multiple refusals to do reasonable work. In addition, the waiting periods for assets will be abolished and the examination of housing costs will be tightened.
All employable people who are in need of help and do not have sufficient resources of their own are entitled to the new basic security. Relatives in communities of need also receive proportional benefits. Associated with this is the necessary prerequisite of active participation in one's own labor market integration in order to benefit from benefits Citizen money holds on.