December 17, 2025, 12:50 p.mDecember 17, 2025, 12:50 p.m
The German government has decided to end the basic security for those able to work known as citizen’s benefit in its current form.
The Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.Image: keystone
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s cabinet gave the green light to a draft law by the Social Democratic Labor Minister Bärbel Bas and thereby approved the new basic security benefit.
The approximately 5.5 million recipients of citizen’s benefit will therefore face significantly stricter rules. With the cabinet decision, the legislative process in the Bundestag – the German parliament – and the Bundesrat – the chamber of the federal states – should continue. At the base of the social democratic SPD – the coalition partner of Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU and CSU) – there is great resistance to the reform plans.
Until recently, details of the planned complete elimination of benefits had been controversial in the government. This should be possible if recipients of state money cannot be reached: If invitations to appointments are missed three times, job centers should stop transfers. There is also a risk of losing coverage for housing costs.
However, according to the plans, the authorities must give those affected the opportunity to be heard in person – for example through a telephone call or a visit. Mentally ill people should be protected from a loss of benefits.
Tougher approach
In the future, the state should also take tougher action when it comes to the assets of those affected. The draft law provides for the abolition of a fixed waiting period for the preservation of assets. Priority should be given to using one’s own income and assets before basic security is provided. In the future, the amount of protected assets will depend on age. Accommodation costs should be recognized to a small extent.
They should put together offers for those affected in a joint cooperation plan.Image: keystone
The primary goal of the job centers should be placement in jobs. If further training appears to be more promising, this should be given preference. They should put together offers for those affected in a joint cooperation plan.
Low savings
The major savings originally hoped for, particularly by the Union, are not expected. In 2026, the federal government, states, municipalities and Federal Employment Agency are expected to pay 86 million euros (around 80 million francs) less, then 70 million. In contrast, 11 or 9 million more are expected to arise in the following years. (sda/dpa)
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