From Bürgergeld to Grundsicherungsgeld
Since 1 July 2026 the benefit has been called Grundsicherungsgeld (§ 19 Abs. 1 SGB II). Its former name was Bürgergeld.
The Jobcenter at the place of residence is responsible.
Until 31 December 2026 the authorities may also still use the term Bürgergeld (§ 65a Abs. 4 SGB II). Both words mean the same benefit.
What stays the same
After 1 July 2026 the following still applies:
- The standard needs for 2026 apply for the whole year, before and after the renaming (§ 20 Abs. 1a SGB II).
- For accommodation a grace period (Karenzzeit) of 12 months still applies in the first year (§ 22 Abs. 1 Satz 2 SGB II).
What is new
For assets there is an allowance for each person in the benefit household, graded by age (§ 12 Abs. 2 Satz 1 SGB II i. d. F. des 13. SGB-II-ÄndG):
| Age | Allowance per person |
|---|---|
| under 30 years | 5.000 € |
| from 30 years | 10.000 € |
| from 40 years | 12.500 € |
| from 50 years | 20.000 € |
The higher allowance applies from the month in which the person reaches that age (§ 12 Abs. 2 Satz 2 SGB II). If a person's assets exceed their allowance, unused allowances of the other people in the benefit household count in their favour (§ 12 Abs. 2 Satz 3 SGB II).
Household goods, one appropriate vehicle for each person able to work and retirement provision are not counted.
New legal consequences apply to breaches of duties and missed appointments. What happened before 1 July 2026 is dealt with under the previous rules (§ 65a Abs. 2 SGB II).
Anyone who already received benefits before 1 July 2026
If a Bewilligungszeitraum (approval period) began before 1 July 2026, the previous version still applies to assets until it ends (§ 65a Abs. 1 SGB II).
Which version applies to a particular decision is decided by the Jobcenter, not by us.
Do not confuse
For people who are not fit for work or have reached the age limit, it is not this book that applies but the Twelfth Book of the Social Code. The application then goes not to the Jobcenter but to the social welfare office.