How much is Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld) in 2026?

Single person: €563/month. Couple: €506/person. Plus reasonable rent + heating.

How much in assets may I have?

Tiered by age per person (§ 12 Abs. 2 SGB II): €5,000 up to age 30, €10,000 from age 31, €12,500 from age 41, and €20,000 from age 51. Unused allowances can be transferred; the former grace-period protected assets limit of €40,000 has been abolished. A self-occupied home remains protected.

What happens if an obligation is breached?

There is no longer a graduated system of sanctions: under § 31a Abs. 1 SGB II, Grundsicherungsgeld is reduced by 30% from the first breach of obligation, for three months (§ 31b Abs. 2). For repeated breaches of obligation, the reduction remains at a total of 30% under § 31a Abs. 4 — but "a maximum of 30%" does not apply without exception: anyone who, although reasonable work is actually and immediately available, wilfully fails to take it up loses their entitlement to benefits under § 31a Abs. 7 in the amount of the entire standard needs, for one to a maximum of two months (§ 31b Abs. 3). The rent is then paid directly to the landlord for the entire Bedarfsgemeinschaft (community of need).

Jobcenter administrative procedures

Grundsicherungsgeld · Rent · Cooperation plan · Additional needs

8 official procedures available

The Jobcenter (job centre) is responsible for Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support benefit for jobseekers) — until 30 June 2026 Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit), before that Hartz IV. Since 1 July 2026, the statutory name under § 19 Abs. 1 SGB II (Book Two of the Social Code) has been Grundsicherungsgeld. 5.5 million people in Germany receive benefits. The Jobcenter pays the standard rate + rent + heating and supports you in your job search.

Last updated 31 August 2026

Competent authority Jobcenter at your place of residence

Verification Checked by AmtsDeutschland.de

Written and reviewed byAndrés Sánchez Botta

Independent information site: We are not the Jobcenter, not an authority and not a paid advice service — we do not submit applications on your behalf. All information comes from official sources and is explained here in simple terms; the competent authority always has the final say. All information provided without guarantee. We are neither lawyers nor tax consultants: we document administrative procedures and check the information against the official source — this is information, not legal or tax advice.

Jobcenter administrative procedures

Available services

All procedures

Useful information

Questions about the Jobcenter

Cannot find the official procedure you are looking for?