First details about the reform of citizens' income - these rules will become stricter
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is urging a swift implementation of the planned reform of the citizen income system, aiming for its introduction this year if possible. The reform is expected to include harsher penalties for beneficiaries who refuse to attend appointments or accept work, increasing pressure on Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) to finalize the plans.
Minister Barbel Bas has outlined the priorities for reform, emphasizing that support will be "more focused on employment and participation." She announced tightening regulations regarding the rights and obligations of beneficiaries, along with further reducing support for those who do not comply with the conditions. She also stressed the need to combat abuses that undermine the credibility of the system, warning that authorities must not be "naive."
Concrete measures include imposing stronger penalties for missing appointments. Currently, beneficiaries who miss meetings face a 10% reduction in their monthly support. Under the new rules, job centers can deduct up to 30% more quickly and easily if job offers are refused. Support may be completely cut off for beneficiaries who ignore correspondence or cannot be found at their registered address.
The reform also proposes to reduce the level of protected assets. The first member of the family could keep up to 40,000 euros, and 15,000 euros for each additional person to qualify for support. Rental rules will also be tightened, requiring beneficiaries to move immediately if they are living in an expensive apartment, instead of the current one-year grace period. European citizens benefiting from support while working in another member state may also face stricter restrictions, although legal changes at the EU level remain complex.
Chancellor Merz expressed confidence that the CDU and SPD parties will complete the reform before the end of the year. The parties are discussing ways to make the return to work attractive for beneficiaries, while balancing the differences within the coalition. Minister Barbel Bas stated that she expects to present the final proposals within two weeks and hopes that the reform will be concluded in October.