What is Bürgergeld and how much can I receive?

Bürgergeld (Citizens' Income) replaced Hartz IV in January 2023. A single adult receives a standard rate of €563/month in 2026. Additional housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft) are covered separately. The benefit is means-tested and administered by local Jobcenter offices.

Who is eligible for Kindergeld in Germany?

Kindergeld is paid to parents resident in Germany for each child under 18 (or up to 25 if in education or training). The amount is €255 per child per month in 2026. It is administered by the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.

How does Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) work?

ALG I is Germany's contributory unemployment insurance. You receive 60% of your previous net wage (67% with dependent children) for up to 24 months, depending on your contribution history. You must have paid into the system for at least 12 months in the last 30 months.

What is BAföG and how do I apply?

BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is the federal student financial aid program. Students can receive up to €812/month in 2026, half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan. Apply through your local Studentenwerk (student services organisation). Eligibility depends on parental income and the type of study.

Aides sociales en Europe

Social Benefits in Germany 2026

Germany operates a Bismarckian (contributory) welfare system. Key benefits include Bürgergeld, Wohngeld, Kindergeld, Arbeitslosengeld I and BAföG. Currency: EUR.

€563 Bürgergeld/mois

€255 Kindergeld/enfant

€812 BAföG max/mois

24 mois ALG I max durée

Check my eligibility →

Modèle social : Bismarckien (cotisations sociales). Les droits à la plupart des prestations contributives (ALG I) dépendent des cotisations versées. Le Bürgergeld est une prestation sous conditions de ressources administrée par les Jobcenter locaux. Les montants indiqués sont les barèmes 2026.

Prestations sociales — barèmes 2026

Aide	Catégorie	Montant (EUR)	Fréquence	Organisme	Conditions principales	Source officielle
Bürgergeld	Revenus / Emploi	0 – 563 €	Mensuel	Jobcenter	Résidence en Allemagne Âge 15-65 ans Revenus sous le seuil	arbeitsagentur.de
Wohngeld	Logement	0 – 450 €	Mensuel	Wohngeldbehörde	Résidence en Allemagne Faibles revenus Locataire ou propriétaire	bmwsb.bund.de
Kindergeld	Famille	255 € / enfant	Mensuel	Familienkasse	Résidence en Allemagne Enfant de moins de 18 ans (25 ans si études)	arbeitsagentur.de
Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I)	Chômage	0 – 2 800 €	Mensuel	Bundesagentur für Arbeit	Résidence en Allemagne Cotisations 12 mois/30 Chômage involontaire	arbeitsagentur.de
BAföG	Jeunesse / Étudiant	0 – 812 €	Mensuel	Studentenwerk	Résidence en Allemagne Étudiant en formation Revenus parentaux sous seuil	bmbf.de

Questions fréquentes sur les aides sociales en Allemagne

What is Bürgergeld and how much can I receive?

Bürgergeld (Citizens' Income) replaced Hartz IV in January 2023. A single adult receives a standard rate of €563/month in 2026. Additional housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft) are covered separately — the actual Jobcenter pays your rent directly to the landlord in most cases.

The benefit is means-tested. If you have a partner, household income and assets are assessed jointly. You apply at your local Jobcenter (part of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit). There is a 6-month grace period (Karenzzeit) during which savings and housing costs are largely disregarded.
Who is eligible for Kindergeld in Germany?

Kindergeld is paid to parents resident in Germany for each child under 18. The amount is €255 per child per month in 2026. If the child is in education, training or unable to work due to disability, the benefit can continue until age 25.

It is administered by the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. EU citizens working in Germany are also entitled. Apply online via the Bundesagentur portal or at your local office.
How does Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) work?

ALG I is Germany's contributory unemployment insurance. You receive 60% of your previous net wage (67% with dependent children) for up to 24 months, depending on your contribution history. You must have paid into the system for at least 12 months in the last 30 months and have lost your job involuntarily.

Register as unemployed with the Arbeitsagentur immediately (ideally before your last day of work to avoid delays). Benefits begin the day after your employment ends, subject to any severance pay waiting period.
What is BAföG and how do I apply?

BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is the federal student financial aid program. Students can receive up to €812/month in 2026, half as a non-repayable grant and half as an interest-free government loan. The loan portion is capped at €10,010 total repayment.

Apply through your local Studentenwerk (student services organisation) or online via BAföG-Digital. Eligibility depends on parental income, your own income and assets, and the type of study. Application should be made as early as possible — benefits are not backdated.