Bürgergeld
Unemployment security benefit in Germany / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bürgergeld[1][2] (German pronunciation: [ˈbʏɐ̯ɡɐ(ʔɪnənˈ)ɡɛlt], lit. 'citizens' money') is Germany's unemployment payment introduced on 1 January 2023. The Bürgergeld was developed by Olaf Scholz's coalition government and agreed by Germany's two chambers in November 2022. Compared to its predecessor Arbeitslosengeld II (commonly known as Hartz IV), it has a higher unemployment grant (Regelsatz). Adult jobseekers living alone now received a default sum of €502 per month, compared to previously €449. In 2024 the sum was increased to 563 €. The introduction of Bürgergeld also increased the amount of personal wealth that beneficiaries can hold without a part of their unemployment grant being deducted. A single adult can own up to €40,000.[3] Bürgergeld also replaced the Sozialgeld, a benefit for people who cannot work.[4]