About half of the beneficiaries of aid say that visits to the job center are ineffective.
Almost half of long-term unemployed individuals in Germany believe that appointments at the Jobcenter (employment center) do not help improve their job prospects, according to a recent survey conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
The study reveals a mixed picture. While more than two-thirds of respondents expressed satisfaction with the services provided, and 72 percent described staff as competent, 47 percent said that attending Jobcenter appointments ultimately “does nothing” to improve their chances in the labor market.
Experts say this highlights a deeper structural issue. Tobias Ortmann, a labor market specialist, emphasized that guidance and job placement are core responsibilities of Jobcenters, but these are often not effectively delivered, especially for individuals facing significant employment barriers.
The report found that 46 percent of basic income recipients struggle with multiple challenges, including health issues and lack of qualifications. As a result, the foundation is calling for reforms, including more personalized coaching, better training opportunities, and direct job placements to improve outcomes.
Despite these concerns, 82 percent of respondents supported the idea of state financial assistance for people in difficult situations. At the same time, 55 percent agreed that recipients should contribute in return, reflecting a balanced public attitude toward welfare support.
The survey also pointed out operational shortcomings. Around 39 percent of participants said advisors are difficult to reach, while 44 percent complained that they receive demands rather than meaningful assistance. However, about 60 percent reported receiving support tailored to their needs.
The findings are based on responses from more than 1,000 unemployed individuals aged 25 to 50 who have been receiving Bürgergeld (citizen’s income) for at least one year, along with detailed interviews conducted with a smaller group of participants.
Meanwhile, the Bundestag has approved stricter welfare reforms, set to take effect on July 1, replacing Bürgergeld with a new Grundsicherung (basic income support) system. Under the new rules, approximately 5.5 million recipients may face significant benefit cuts if they fail to meet participation requirements.