The 30 percent cut is the central legal consequence of a breach of duty under SGB II. Since 1 July 2026 it applies to recipients of Grundsicherungsgeld, including young adults and career starters who claim benefits after training or studies. This guide explains when it applies, how long it lasts and what it does not cover.
The basis is sections 31a and 31b SGB II and guidance from the Federal Employment Agency. Missed appointments follow their own rule, covered in the guide Missed Jobcenter appointment (in German).
In short: For a breach of duty the Jobcenter reduces the Grundsicherungsgeld by 30 percent of the standard need (section 31a(1) SGB II, last updated November 2026). At standard-need level 1 of 563 euros that is about 169 euros a month. Under section 31b(2) SGB II the reduction period is three months.
Key points
- The cut is 30 percent of the applicable standard need under section 20 SGB II (section 31a(1)).
- The reduction period is three months under section 31b(2) SGB II. For missed appointments the Federal Employment Agency names one month.
- The cut is lifted when you meet the duty or declare, seriously and lastingly, that you will meet it in future. Under section 31b(2) this applies from the time of compliance, provided the cut lasted at least one month.
- Payments for housing and heating must not fall because of the cut (section 31a(4)).
- Anyone who wilfully refuses reasonable work can lose the standard need entirely for up to two months (section 31a(7)).
When does the Jobcenter cut by 30 percent?
A breach of duty under section 31 SGB II without good reason is required. As examples the Federal Employment Agency and municipal Jobcenters name not taking up reasonable work, dropping out of a measure and insufficient applications. You must also have been informed of the consequences. Before the cut, the Jobcenter hears you.
A further step now comes first. If you miss a meeting without good reason and essential steps of the cooperation plan are missing, the Jobcenter can, according to Agency guidance, oblige you directly by administrative act to cooperate. Only if you do not comply with that obligation does the cut follow as the next step. A municipal Jobcenter information sheet says this obligation is possible after a single missed appointment.
How much is the cut in euros?
The cut relates to the standard need, not to the total benefit. An illustration (assumption: single person, standard-need level 1 of 563 euros, last updated November 2026):
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard need level 1 (assumption) | 563.00 euros |
| Cut of 30 percent | 168.90 euros |
| Remaining standard need | 394.10 euros |
| Housing and heating costs | not reduced |
A Jobcenter FAQ from the Saarpfalz district gives about 170 euros for single people and about 150 euros for people with a partner. The amount in your case depends on your standard-need level. Rent continues to be paid in full. Within a household only the standard need of the person in breach is cut. If the calculation leaves no entitlement, 1 euro a month is granted under section 31a(4) SGB II.
How long does the cut last?
Duration is governed by section 31b SGB II. The reduction period is three months under subsection 2. Under section 31a(1), second sentence, the cut is lifted as soon as the duties are met or the person subsequently declares, seriously and lastingly, that they will meet them in future. Under section 31b(2) this applies from the time of compliance, provided the cut lasted at least one month. For missed appointments the Federal Employment Agency names one month in its overview. Under section 31b(1) the cut begins with the calendar month after the cut notice takes effect. A cut may also be established only within six months of the breach. A notice of 10 February therefore leads to a cut from 1 March.
| Case | Cut | Duration according to the law or the Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Other breach of duty | 30 percent of the standard need | 3 months (section 31b(2) SGB II) |
| Missed appointment (repeated) | 30 percent of the standard need | 1 month (Agency) |
| Wilful refusal of reasonable work | Loss of the standard need | up to 2 months (Agency) |
| Three appointments in a row missed | Loss of entitlement, section 7b(4) | until you report in person |
What applies if you refuse work?
Under section 31a(7) SGB II the entitlement to the standard need lapses if reasonable work is not taken up that is actually and immediately possible and the refusal is wilful. The money for housing and heating should then be paid to the landlord. According to the Agency the withdrawal lasts up to two months and ends if the chance to take the job lapses or you later accept the offer and the cut lasted at least one month. The guide New rules when taking a job (in German) goes deeper.
When does the cut fall away?
- With good reason. You must set it out and prove it.
- In a case of exceptional hardship (section 31a(3)). The Jobcenter checks this case by case.
- If you make up the duty or declare, seriously and lastingly, that you will meet it in future.
- For mental illness, section 31a(2) provides for a personal hearing if the illness is known or there are indications.
For employable people under 25, section 31a(6) provides that within four weeks after the cut they receive a counselling offer in which the cooperation plan is reviewed.
You can object to a cut notice. Deadlines and procedure are in the guide Objecting to a Jobcenter decision (in German).
How does a breach of duty differ from a missed appointment?
Both lead to a 30 percent cut, but by different routes. A breach of duty under section 31 SGB II concerns substantive duties such as applications, measures or taking up work. A missed appointment under section 32 SGB II concerns not appearing when the Jobcenter summons you. For repeated breaches or misses the total cut is capped at 30 percent of the standard need under section 31a(4). Several violations in the same period therefore do not add up to 60 or 90 percent. How appointments are counted in detail is explained in the guide on missed Jobcenter appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cut apply to students?
Students whose programme is in principle eligible for BAföG are as a rule excluded from living-cost benefits under section 7(5) SGB II. A cut presupposes ongoing receipt. More in the guide New Grundsicherung for students (in German).
Is my rent cut as well?
No. Under section 31a(4) SGB II the payments for housing and heating must not fall because of the cut.
Must I be heard first?
Yes. On request the hearing should take place in person. With known mental illness it should be in person (section 31a(2)).
When does the cut take effect?
Under section 31b(1) SGB II, in the calendar month after the cut notice takes effect.
What to do now
- Read the hearing letter carefully and note the deadline for your statement.
- Name a good reason or a hardship in writing and attach proof.
- Make up the duty or declare in writing that you will meet it in future, if that is possible.
- Check the cut notice and file an objection on time if it contains errors.
- For financial planning after a cut, see how we work (in German).
Related guides
- New Grundsicherung since July 2026: what young adults need to know (in German)
- Missed Jobcenter appointment: consequences under Grundsicherung (in German)
- Bürgergeld or the new Grundsicherung: the differences (in German)
- Objecting to a Jobcenter decision: deadlines and procedure (in German)
Sources: Section 31a SGB II, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, last updated November 2026); Section 31b SGB II, start and duration of the cut, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, retrieved 2 November 2026); Rights, duties and benefit cuts, Federal Employment Agency (in German, last updated November 2026); FAQ new Grundsicherung, Jobcenter Saarpfalz district (in German, 2026); BMFTR on the BAföG cabinet decision, 563 euros Grundsicherung level (in German, last updated August 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
