What Are the Standard Rates and Basics of Citizen's Income (Bürgergeld) in 2026?
In Germany, the **Citizen's Income (Bürgergeld)** replaced the former Unemployment Benefit II (popularly known as "Hartz IV"). It is designed to secure a decent subsistence level for individuals who do not have sufficient income, while helping them transition back into the labor market. For 2026, new standard rates (Regelsätze) apply, which are adjusted annually based on price and wage trends.
For detailed calculations, you can use our free Bürgergeld calculator.
What Are the Bürgergeld Standard Rates in 2026?
The standard rate for a single adult (Regelbedarfsstufe 1) is 563 € per month in 2026. For partners living in a joint household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft), each partner receives 506 € (Regelbedarfsstufe 2). Children's rates vary by age:
- Regelbedarfsstufe 3 (18-24 years old, living with parents): 451 €
- Regelbedarfsstufe 4 (Teens 14-17 years old): 471 €
- Regelbedarfsstufe 5 (Children 6-13 years old): 390 €
- Regelbedarfsstufe 6 (Children 0-5 years old): 357 €
The standard rate covers food, clothing, personal care, household items, electricity, and general daily needs. It does not include housing and heating costs – these are paid separately by the job center in their actual amount, provided they are reasonable (angemessen).
Protected Assets (Schonvermögen) and the Grace Period (Karenzzeit)
One of the major features of the Bürgergeld is the **grace period (Karenzzeit)**. During the first 12 months of receiving benefits, the rules for your assets and housing are significantly relaxed:
How Much Asset Allowance is Protected During the Grace Period?
- Asset Allowance (Vermögensfreibetrag): 40,000 € for the first person in the household. For each additional person, 15,000 € is added. A couple with two children can keep up to 70,000 € in savings.
- Housing Costs: The actual costs for rent and heating are covered in full – regardless of whether they are deemed "reasonable." The check for reasonableness occurs only after the 12-month grace period ends.
- Owner-Occupied Property: This is generally protected during the grace period if it is of reasonable size (guidelines: 140 m² for a house, 130 m² for an apartment for four people).
What Happens to Assets After the Grace Period Ends?
After the 12-month grace period, the asset allowance drops to a flat 15,000 € per person in the household. Anyone with assets above this limit must spend down their savings before they can receive Bürgergeld. However, certain assets remain protected:
- Reasonable household items and personal belongings.
- One reasonable car per employable person in the household (value up to approx. 15,000 €).
- Retirement savings that are contractually protected from early liquidation (e.g., Riester-Rente).
Earning Additional Income (Zuverdienst) While on Bürgergeld
If you receive Bürgergeld and work at the same time, you can keep a portion of your earnings. The allowances (Freibeträge) are structured in tiers to incentivize work:
Bürgergeld Additional Income Allowances (Zuverdienst-Freibeträge)
| Monthly Gross Income | Allowance Percentage | Deduction (Anrechnung) | You Keep (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 100 € | 100% free | 0 € | 100 € |
| 100.01 - 520 € | 20% free | 80% deducted from benefit | 100 € + 84 € = 184 € |
| 520.01 - 1,000 € | 30% free | 70% deducted from benefit | 184 € + 144 € = 328 € |
| 1,000.01 - 1,200 € | 10% free | 90% deducted from benefit | 328 € + 20 € = 348 € |
| 1,000.01 - 1,500 € * | 10% free | 90% deducted from benefit | 328 € + 50 € = 378 € |
* The higher limit of 1,500 € applies to households with at least one minor child. For single individuals and couples without children, the limit is 1,200 €.
Example: Earning 800 € Gross While on Bürgergeld
If a single recipient takes a part-time job earning 800 € gross per month:
- First 100 €: Flat allowance - 100% free = 100 €
- 100.01 to 520 €: 20% of 420 € = 84 € free
- 520.01 to 800 €: 30% of 280 € = 84 € free
- Total Allowance: 100 + 84 + 84 = 268 €
Out of the 800 € gross, 268 € is not deducted from Bürgergeld. The remaining 532 € reduces the benefit. The recipient receives: 563 € (standard rate) minus 532 € = 31 € Bürgergeld + 800 € wage = 831 € total income. Without working, they would have only 563 €.
Special Rules for Students, Apprentices, and Volunteers
To incentivize education and training, special allowances apply to young people:
- Pupils under 15: Income from holiday jobs is tax-free and exempt up to 100 € per month.
- Pupils over 15 and Apprentices (Auszubildende): They can keep their earnings up to the Minijob limit (currently 556 €/month) entirely, provided they are in school or vocational training.
- Voluntary Work (Ehrenamt): The trainer allowance (Übungsleiterpauschale, up to 3,000 €/year) and the volunteer allowance (Ehrenamtspauschale, up to 840 €/year) are exempt from deduction.
What Other Income is Deducted?
Other income types are deducted from your Bürgergeld benefit:
- Child Benefit (Kindergeld): Counts as income for the child.
- Child Support (Unterhalt): Both child support payments and state advances (Unterhaltsvorschuss).
- Rental and Capital Income: Deducted in full (minus related expenses).
- Pensions: Treated as regular income.
Not deducted: Long-term care insurance benefits (Pflegegeld), compensations for victims of crime, and pain and suffering damages (Schmerzensgeld).
Jobcenter Co-operation and Sanctions
Recipients must cooperate with the Jobcenter. Failure to attend appointments or accept reasonable job offers can result in **sanctions (Leistungsminderungen)**:
- First breach: 10% reduction of the standard rate for 1 month.
- Second breach: 20% reduction for 2 months.
- Third and subsequent: 30% reduction for 3 months. Reductions cannot exceed 30%, and housing costs can never be cut.
Sources: SGB II (Bürgergeld law), §§ 11-11b SGB II (Income deduction), § 12 SGB II (Assets), BMAS publications, as of 2026.