Under the proposed changes, those who repeatedly fail to meet their obligations or miss scheduled appointments at job centers will face noticeable sanctions. Adjustments to asset limits and regulations for refugees are also being considered.
During the “Day of Job Centers” event in Berlin, Bas explained that citizens receiving Bürgergeld who do not attend mandatory consultations will face clear consequences. The federal government, she said, intends to implement the reforms to Bürgergeld agreed upon in the coalition agreement promptly but carefully.
The focus of the planned amendments will be discussions on job placement, skills development, and social support. “In some regions, up to 50 percent of scheduled appointments remain unused,” Bas criticized before several hundred job center employees. “This situation is unacceptable and must change.” She emphasized: “I want to regulate this problem by law so that job centers have a clear legal basis to respond to frequent missed appointments.”
Bas stressed that those seriously seeking assistance and employment must also participate actively. “Anyone who ignores appointments at the job center will in the future face tangible consequences,” she announced. Regarding the planned restructuring of basic welfare support, Bas confirmed that work on drafting the relevant legislation was already in full swing.
In the coalition agreement, the SPD and CDU/CSU had agreed, among other things, to tighten obligations to cooperate and possible sanctions in line with the principle of “support and demand.” Those capable of work who refuse reasonable employment offers could in the future face a complete withdrawal of benefits.
Changes to Asset Exemptions Also Planned
The government also plans to revise the current grace period during which Bürgergeld recipients’ assets are not counted towards their eligibility. According to the coalition agreement, the federal government aims to develop the Bürgergeld system into a modern form of basic security. Bürgergeld replaced the previous Hartz IV scheme in January 2023.
Ukrainian Refugees Will Remain Eligible for Now
Bas also commented on Bürgergeld eligibility for Ukrainian refugees. These individuals will remain entitled to receive Bürgergeld until new legislation is introduced. “As long as no alternative regulation exists, the current procedure will continue,” the minister clarified. In the future, Ukrainian refugees could, unlike now, be legally placed on the same footing as asylum seekers. Until then, however, their entitlement to Bürgergeld will remain in effect.
According to Bas, around 300,000 Ukrainian refugees and more than 700,000 people from other asylum countries have already found employment—an achievement she described as significant. Her predecessor, Hubertus Heil, had introduced the so-called “Job Turbo” program to speed up integration into the labor market.
Bas Calls for a More Objective Debate
The minister acknowledged that Bürgergeld remains a politically sensitive topic. Her goal, she said, is to bring more objectivity to the debate and pursue a pragmatic course. Existing and successful measures such as coaching programs should be continued, she noted, adding that these services are well received by participants.
She also emphasized the importance of comprehensive support for the unemployed, as other difficulties often lie behind their lack of employability. At the same time, she pointed out that simple jobs could provide an important entry point into the labor market.
Sources: dpa, Reuters
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