Since 1 July 2026, the new Grundsicherung (basic income support) has replaced Bürgergeld. If you are a young adult, a new graduate or a student who receives benefits or plans to apply, you should know the new rules on breaches of duty, housing costs and assets. This overview explains them and points to the detailed guides.
Short answer: The new Grundsicherung has applied since 1 July 2026 and replaced Bürgergeld (last updated: November 2026). A breach of duties reduces the standard rate by 30 percent. Housing costs are capped at one and a half times the appropriate limit. Under section 12 para. 2 SGB II the asset allowance per person is 5,000 euros until age 30, 10,000 euros from 31, 12,500 euros from 41 and 20,000 euros from 51. There is no longer a grace period for assets.
The most important points
- The Act on the Restructuring of Basic Income Support for Jobseekers was approved by the Bundesrat on 27 March 2026. It entered into force in stages from 1 July 2026.
- For breaches of duty, the standard rate is reduced by 30 percent.
- Housing costs are capped at one and a half times the appropriate limit.
- Protected assets are linked to your age under section 12 para. 2 SGB II, from 5,000 euros (until age 30) to 20,000 euros (from age 51).
- Older guides on Bürgergeld describe the previous rules and fit today’s cases only in part.
Key points of the switch
The switch from Bürgergeld to the new Grundsicherung affects ongoing benefits as well as new applications. The table summarises the key points stated by the federal government. The promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette, including date and reference, is not stated in that announcement. The Jobcenter Landkreis Leipzig lists the changes as the 13th Amending Act to SGB II.
| Topic | Rule according to the federal government | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Entry into force | Gradually from 1 July 2026 | November 2026 |
| Parliament | Bundesrat approves the act on 27 March 2026 | November 2026 |
| Breach of duties | Reduction of the standard rate by 30 percent | November 2026 |
| Housing costs | Cap at one and a half times the appropriate limit | November 2026 |
| Protected assets | Allowance per person by age, 5,000 to 20,000 euros (section 12 para. 2 SGB II) | November 2026 |
For your individual case, contact your local Jobcenter.
Who should look more closely now?
The new rules do not affect everyone in the same way. Young adults, new graduates who apply for benefits after studies or vocational training, and students who need support should pay particular attention to housing costs, duties and assets. If you already received Bürgergeld, compare your current notice with the date of the switch.
It is important to separate the entitlement in principle from the actual amount. The Jobcenter checks whether an entitlement exists based on income, assets, housing and personal circumstances. The amount follows from the standard rate and the recognised housing costs. Both can usually only be determined case by case.
What changes for housing
The federal government names a cap on housing costs at one and a half times the appropriate limit. According to an overview by the Jobcenter Landkreis Leipzig (2026), actual housing costs are recognised for the first twelve months even above the appropriateness limit, heating costs excepted. Where costs exceed the benchmark by more than 50 percent, an absolute ceiling applies without a transition period. If your rent is above that, the amount recognised depends on the individual case. The statute sets out the consequences of exceeding it. The guides on housing costs and on moving before age 25 (in German) help you classify your situation.
What counts for assets
Protected assets are linked to your age. Under section 12 para. 2 SGB II (version from 1 July 2026, as of November 2026) the following allowances apply per person. The higher amount applies from the month in which you reach the age limit.
| Age | Allowance per person |
|---|---|
| until the 30th birthday | 5.000 euros |
| from age 31 | 10.000 euros |
| from age 41 | 12.500 euros |
| from age 51 | 20.000 euros |
Unused allowances of other members of the household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft) can be transferred to a person whose assets exceed the allowance. According to the Jobcenter Landkreis Leipzig overview, there is no separate grace period for assets any more: assets count from the start of benefit receipt, and the rule applies to benefit periods starting on or after 1 July 2026. The guide on protected assets explains details and exceptions, for example for owner-occupied property (in German). Clarify your details with your Jobcenter before you apply.
What happens if an appointment fails
Breaches of duty can lead to the 30 percent reduction. If you cannot attend an appointment, tell the Jobcenter the reason promptly and in a verifiable way. The guide on missed Jobcenter appointments (in German) explains the possible consequences and the steps that follow.
The topics at a glance
The following guides go deeper into individual questions. They are grouped by subtopic so you can find your situation quickly. All links point to the German versions.
Eligibility and studies
- New Grundsicherung for Students: Eligibility and Limits
- Bürgergeld or New Grundsicherung: The Differences
- Umstellung vom Bürgergeld auf die Grundsicherung: Was Bezieher tun müssen
Rules, assets and work
- Asset Allowance Under Grundsicherung: What Changed Since July 2026
- Karenzzeit bei der Grundsicherung: Was seit Juli 2026 wegfällt
- Grundsicherung: Neue Regeln, wenn man eine Arbeit annimmt
- Standard Rate 2027: Increase or Freeze, What Is Known So Far
- Nullrunde 2026: Was unveränderte Regelsätze für Bezieher bedeuten (in German)
Duties, cuts and objections
- Grundsicherung: Wann die Kürzung um 30 Prozent greift
- Jobcenter-Termin verpasst: Welche Folgen die Grundsicherung hat
- Widerspruch gegen einen Jobcenter-Bescheid: Fristen und Vorgehen
Housing and application
- Grundsicherung unter 25 und Umzug: Wann die Miete übernommen wird
- Wohnkosten bei der Grundsicherung: Wie das Jobcenter die Miete prüft
- Grundsicherung beantragen: Welche Unterlagen fürs Jobcenter nötig sind
Older guides on the previous rules
- Bürgergeld im Studium: Ausnahmen und Urlaubssemester (previous rules, in German)
- Studieren mit Bürgergeld: Krankenversicherung und Ansprüche (previous rules, in German)
Frequently asked questions
Is the new Grundsicherung the same as Bürgergeld?
No, the new Grundsicherung is the successor to Bürgergeld. It is based on the Act on the Restructuring of Basic Income Support for Jobseekers. Which rules apply to your case depends on your situation and your notice.
When does the 30 percent cut apply?
The federal government names breaches of duty as the trigger for the reduction. Which duties apply and when a reduction is imposed is set out in the act and in your Jobcenter notice. The guide on the cut explains the individual cases (in German).
Does basic income support also apply to students?
Whether and to what extent students are entitled depends on the statutory requirements. The guide for students describes the limits (in German). Before you apply, check with your Jobcenter which documents you need.
Where can I find the 2027 standard rate?
The federal government’s announcement does not state a euro amount for 2027. You can find the current position from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The guide on the 2027 standard rate puts it into context (in German).
What does the switch mean for older guides?
Older articles on Bürgergeld describe the rules before 1 July 2026. For ongoing cases, your current notice is decisive. The guide on the switch shows the next steps (in German).
How long do I have to challenge a notice?
You can file an objection within the deadline stated in the notice. The instructions on remedies at the end of the letter name the deadline and the competent body. The guide on objections explains the procedure (in German).
What to do now
- Check your current notice and the date from which it applies.
- Read the guide that fits your life situation, for example on studies, starting a career or housing.
- Prepare documents on housing, income and assets before you contact your Jobcenter.
- Attend appointments and file an objection on time if you do not agree with a notice.
- Clarify open questions directly with your responsible Jobcenter.
Sources: New Grundsicherung replaces Bürgergeld, Federal Government (in German, last updated November 2026), Section 12 SGB II, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, as of November 2026), Jobcenter Landkreis Leipzig, changes to SGB II from 1 July 2026 (in German, 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
