The future governing parties CDU/CSU and SPD want to abolish the Citizen’s Income (Bürgergeld) for refugees from Ukraine who entered the country after April 1 of this year. Instead, they are to receive only as much money as asylum seekers. This is stated in the coalition agreement negotiated by the CDU, CSU and SPD. However, it has not yet been formally adopted. There can only be a new regulation once the new government has been formed and the chancellor has been elected.
Single people would receive 122 euros less per month under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act than under the Citizen’s Income. Benefits would also be reduced for children and partners. The costs for accommodation and health insurance would not change. However, anyone submitting an application would have to prove their neediness – “through consistent and uniform nationwide asset checks”, as stated in the coalition agreement. According to the current plans, nothing will change for Ukrainian refugees who have been in Germany for some time.
Ukrainian war refugees have received protection in the EU since 2022 under the so-called mass influx directive without having to apply for asylum. In Germany, they receive citizens’ benefits instead of benefits for asylum seekers. According to Mediendienst Integration, around 1.25 million of the 4.3 million refugees from Ukraine across the EU are currently living in Germany.
tun25041502
Banknotes and coins. Photo: tünews INTERNATIONAL / Mostafa Elyasian.