Refugees from Ukraine will receive less than the citizen's allowance.
The German government, led by Friedrich Merz, is planning a major change that could drastically affect refugees from Ukraine. Starting in April 2025, newcomers from the war-torn country will not receive Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance). Instead, they will be subject to the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (Asylum Seekers Benefits Act), which provides much lower financial support and limited integration opportunities.
This change means that refugees will receive up to 20% less support compared to those receiving citizen benefits. More dangerously, they will lose access to essential services such as language courses, employment, and targeted programs provided by job centers. Without these tools, entering the labor market and integrating into German society will become much more difficult.
The current system is considered a success story. In just two years, the number of Ukrainians working in jobs subject to social security has doubled. Many attribute this progress to the strong support structure provided by citizen assistance. Ending this system for newcomers threatens to undermine these achievements and makes it difficult for refugees to contribute to the German labor market.
The government justifies this decision as a means to save money. However, experts warn that the plan may have the opposite effect, as it will create additional costs of at least 60 million euros due to bureaucracy and increased burdens on the federal employment agency. Instead of saving resources, this step may lead to chaos without any real benefit in addressing the labor shortage in Germany.
The most controversial element is the division created by the plan among refugees. Ukrainians who arrived before April 2025 will retain citizen benefits, while those arriving afterward will be forced to undergo a stricter asylum benefits system. This distinction not only breeds resentment but also isolates newcomers, making their integration nearly impossible. Critics argue that Germany risks dismantling an effective system and replacing it with one that harms refugees and the society that needs their contributions.