Those who do not work receive 30 percent less citizen's allowance.
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A new scheme in Saxony-Anhalt is putting pressure on long-term unemployed people and asylum seekers to take part in community work. Those who refuse the assigned work can face a 30% reduction in Bürgergeld payments.
The programme, known as **„Initiative Bürgerarbeit“ (Community Work Initiative)**, was presented in June by Saxony-Anhalt Minister-President **Sven Schulze (CDU)** in Magdeburg. The rules officially came into force on July 1 and initially apply in Mansfeld-Südharz, Burgenlandkreis, Wittenberg and Salzlandkreis.
The initiative targets people who have been unemployed for a long period and certain asylum seekers who receive state support. Participants can be assigned to **gemeinnützige Arbeit (community service work)** intended to benefit local communities while encouraging people to move toward regular employment.
Anyone who refuses an assigned activity without an accepted reason can face a significant reduction in their benefits. The planned 30% cut is intended to make participation more attractive and strengthen the expectation that recipients should contribute where they are able to work.
The programme is being introduced on a trial basis rather than nationwide. Authorities plan to evaluate the first results in **November 2026**, which could determine whether the approach is expanded to additional areas of Saxony-Anhalt or modified.
There are also limits on how long people can be assigned to this type of work. Reports indicate that within a five-year period, participation can amount to no more than **24 months**, preventing the community-work programme from becoming a permanent replacement for regular employment.
The initiative is part of a wider political debate in Germany over **Grundsicherung (basic income support)** and how the welfare system should balance financial assistance with obligations to seek work. Supporters see stricter requirements as a way to encourage employment, while critics are likely to question whether mandatory community work and benefit reductions are appropriate for people receiving state assistance.