Germany's Social Safety Net (Bürgergeld).
Calculate your German citizens' allowance entitlement. Including housing costs and income allowances.
Shared Household
Important for the allowance.
The money that reaches your account.
Thanks to the allowance, you have 0,00 € more available than without work.
Citizens' Allowance (Bürgergeld): How It Is Calculated
Citizens' allowance (formerly Hartz IV) secures the basic livelihood for people who cannot cover their needs from their own means. The amount consists of the standard rate plus actual housing costs.
Standard Rate
The standard rate for a single person is 563 euros per month (2025). It covers food, clothing, personal care, and household items.
Housing Costs
Actual costs for rent and heating are covered in full for the first year (grace period). After that, appropriateness limits apply.
Income Allowances
If you work, not all income is offset. You keep at least 100 euros plus a percentage of income above that.
Working While on Citizens' Allowance: Is It Worth It?
Yes, working always pays off thanks to the allowance system. Here is how income deduction works:
- Up to 100 euros: Fully exempt (basic allowance)
- 100 to 520 euros: 20% is exempt
- 520 to 1,000 euros: 30% is exempt
Frequently Asked Questions about Bürgergeld
More Helpful Calculators & Guides
Sources & References (2026)
All calculations are based on the official legal provisions for 2026. Despite careful research, no guarantee is given for correctness. This calculator does not replace professional tax advice.
Wichtiger Hinweis zur Berechnung
Diese Ergebnisse basieren auf den offiziellen Formeln des BMF (2026). Da individuelle steuerliche Merkmale (z.B. Freibeträge) variieren können, sind alle Angaben ohne Gewähr. Dieser Rechner ersetzt keine professionelle Steuerberatung. Mehr im Impressum.