Comprehensive reform of the social assistance system
The new German government is seeking to implement a comprehensive reform of the social assistance system known as Bürgergeld, especially concerning beneficiaries from immigrant backgrounds. Refugees in Germany face lengthy procedures before entering the labor market, starting with the need to be recognized as asylum seekers, and they are not granted work permits in the first three to six months. After that, their attempts are met with many obstacles such as the need to learn the German language or to have their qualifications recognized.
According to data from the Federal Employment Agency, about 41.6% of refugees from asylum countries are registered as unemployed, and this percentage reaches 40% among Ukrainians, most of whom receive Bürgergeld during this period. Refugees do not receive this support until they have officially obtained asylum; before that, they receive lower assistance known as "asylum seeker allowances," which can be reduced.
The leader of the parliamentary group of the Christian Democratic Party, Jens Spahn, expressed his concern about the increasing percentage of migrants among recipients of Bürgergeld, considering this to be a "social bomb." He added that the minimum living standard must be guaranteed, but those who refuse to work should lose their right to this support.
Nevertheless, the responsibility for implementing the Bürgergeld reforms lies with the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Barbel Bas, from the Social Democratic Party. The minister confirmed that the existing penalty system will be reviewed and may be tightened if necessary, but she also emphasized the need to respect the minimum living standards as determined by the courts.
The amendments may also include Ukrainian refugees, as the governing coalition agreement stipulates that they should be treated like other asylum seekers, receiving asylum benefits initially instead of Bürgergeld. The temporary exception at the beginning of the Ukrainian war allowed Ukrainians to receive Bürgergeld directly under the collective reception directives. However, asylum benefits are not paid for more than 36 months, after which refugees are entitled to Bürgergeld.