Germany continues to accept citizens of Ukraine seeking refuge from the war, placing them in various regions of the country and specialized camps. At the same time, the German government is preparing significant changes regarding social support for Ukrainian refugees, which will take effect in 2025.
This is reported by Finway
Restrictions on Receiving “Bürgergeld” for New Arrivals
According to a new bill developed by the German Ministry of Labor and approved by the government, Ukrainians arriving in the country after April 1, 2025, will lose the right to receive unemployment assistance Bürgergeld (“Bürgergeld,” or “money for citizens”). From now on, they will only be eligible for social benefits provided for asylum seekers from other countries. This means a substantial reduction in the amount of state support.
Amount of Benefits and New Verification Rules
For comparison, an individual living alone and receiving standard Bürgergeld assistance is entitled to a maximum of 563 euros per month. However, Ukrainian asylum seekers who arrive after the specified date will only be able to receive 441 euros per month.
Under the new rules, the responsibility for these refugees will shift from employment centers (Jobcenter) to the social services of the communities where they reside. To receive benefits, Ukrainians will have to undergo an asset verification process. Social assistance will only be provided to those who do not have their own assets and only after all available resources have been exhausted.
“If there are assets, they must be used before providing assistance to asylum seekers,” he warned.
The German Ministry of Labor emphasizes that the main goal remains the prompt and long-term employment of Ukrainian refugees. Under the new conditions, a return to the previous level of benefits is not anticipated.