German Citizens' Benefit Calculator 2026 (Bürgergeld)

Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV / ALG II) is Germany's basic income support for people who are able to work. It secures the subsistence minimum and is paid by the job center (Jobcenter). People between the age of 15 and retirement age are entitled if they are able to work, cannot cover their living expenses from their own income or assets, and have their habitual residence in Germany.

The 2026 standard rates are: single persons receive 563 € (level 1), partners in a benefit community each receive 506 € (level 2), young adults (18–24) living with their parents 451 € (level 3), teenagers (14–17) 471 € (level 4), children (6–13) 390 € (level 5) and young children (0–5) 357 € (level 6). In addition, reasonable accommodation and heating costs are covered.

Earned income benefits from tiered exemptions: the first 100 € are completely exempt (basic allowance). Of income between 100.01 € and 520 €, 20 % remains exempt; between 520.01 € and 1,000 € it is 30 %. Between 1,000.01 € and 1,200 € (without children) or 1,500 € (with children), 10 % remains exempt. The remaining income is fully offset against the Bürgergeld.

Bürgergeld comes with an asset allowance of 15,000 € per person in the benefit community. During the grace period (Karenzzeit, the first 12 months of receiving benefits), the allowance is even 40,000 € for the first person and 15,000 € for each additional person. Owner-occupied residential property of a reasonable size is not counted as assets.

The grace period lasts 12 months from the start of receiving benefits. During this time, the actual accommodation costs are covered in full — the apartment is not checked for reasonableness. Higher asset allowances also apply (40,000 € instead of 15,000 € for the first person). After the grace period ends, it is checked whether the apartment and assets are reasonable.