Citizen’s Income (Bürgergeld) 2024. Life in Germany. Despite opposition from the CDU and FDP opposition parties, the increase in Bürgergeld will take effect. The spokesperson for the Federal Employment Agency has confirmed these changes, revealing that significantly higher rates of citizen’s income will be implemented from January 2024. This development is particularly positive for the country’s more than 5.5 million individuals receiving a basic income. Here’s what you need to know about Citizen’s Income (Bürgergeld) 2024.
Citizen’s income in Germany 2024
The basic amount of citizen income for single individuals will experience a EUR 61 increase, reaching a total of EUR 563 per month. This marks a notable surge of over 12 percent compared to current figures. For couples, the Bürgergeld will be elevated to EUR 506, a rise from the current EUR 451.
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As for young people aged 14 to 17, the social benefit rate will climb from EUR 420 to EUR 471. Additionally, for children aged 7 to 14, there will be an increase of EUR 42, bringing the total to EUR 390. However, for children under 7 years old, the rate will see a EUR 39 increase, reaching EUR 357.
The increase in Citizens’ Income will be implemented by order of the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil. Currently, over 5 million German residents receive Bürgergeld. Citizen’s Income is a social benefit available to individuals who are unemployed but capable of working, as well as to those whose income falls below the threshold needed to cover the costs of living.
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Social benefits in Germany are set to increase despite concerns about the budget deficit.
Despite concerns about the budget deficit, the increase in citizen’s income has been approved and is set to take effect. However, reported by “Der Westen,” many opposition politicians continue to criticize this decision. In an interview with “Bild,” Christian Dürr, the chairman of the FDP faction in the Bundestag, called for the introduction of a “zero round” in 2025 if the Bürgergeld increases faster than inflation. Dürr emphasizes that such action is legally possible, pointing out that the rules for calculating the Bürgergeld increase were developed during the predecessor of this benefit, Hartz IV.
While the increase in citizen income is now inevitable, its future remains uncertain due to potential changes in 2025. “Beneficiaries should, therefore, accept these changes with cautious optimism, bearing in mind possible future corrections,” writes Der Westen.
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Social benefits will increase more than the minimum wage
It’s worth noting that in September of this year, the Minister of Economy, Robert Habeck, strongly criticized the increase in citizen income, deeming it disproportionate to the relatively modest increase in the minimum wage. The adjustment of Bürgergeld is automatic and hinges on the rise in food or clothing prices. The increase in the minimum wage is determined by a special commission primarily consisting of representatives from both employers and employees. This commission made the decision to increase the minimum wage by just EUR 0.41 per hour, effective from January 1 of this year.