Bürgergeld
Calculez le revenu de subsistance allemand (Bürgergeld) : Regelbedarfe, logement et revenu pris en compte.
Data verified · June 2026
Who is eligible for Bürgergeld in Germany?
EU citizens and non-EU nationals with a valid residence permit that allows employment are generally eligible. You must be at least 15 and below the statutory retirement age (Regelaltersgrenze under § 7a SGB II, currently being phased to 67), able to work at least 3 hours per day, habitually resident in Germany, and have household assets below the protected threshold (§ 12 SGB II). In the first 12 months (Karenzzeit), housing costs are covered in full regardless of size.
Source: SGB II §§ 19–22 (Bürgergeld-Gesetz, BGBl. I 2022 Nr. 41); Regelbedarfs-Ermittlungsgesetz (RBEG); Alg II-V § 3; BMAS official rate tables. · updated 2026
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Everything about Bürgergeld
📋Overview+
This calculator estimates your monthly and annual Bürgergeld entitlement — Germany's means-tested basic income support (formerly known as Hartz IV), reformed under the Bürgergeld-Gesetz effective 1 January 2023. It adds the statutory standard rates (Regelbedarfe) for each household member by age bracket, includes reasonable housing and heating costs (Kosten der Unterkunft, §§ 19–22 SGB II), and deducts countable net income after the income disregards defined in § 11b SGB II. It is designed for expats, foreign founders, and English-speaking advisers who need a quick entitlement estimate before filing a formal application at the local Jobcenter.
💡 Best practices
- During the 12-month Karenzzeit, your full actual rent is reimbursed — do not move to cheaper accommodation before confirming whether the Karenzzeit still applies to your case.
- Always include heating and service charges (Nebenkosten) separately; Jobcenters reimburse them on top of rent but require itemised proof from your landlord.
- The Karenzzeit shields €40,000 for the primary claimant and €15,000 for each additional household member from the means test (§ 12 SGB II) — amounts above these thresholds must be declared and reduce your entitlement.
📖User guide+
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter the number of household members in each age bracket (0–5, 6–13, 14–17, adult partner, single adult).
- 2
Input your monthly housing costs (rent) and heating/utility charges separately.
- 3
Enter your gross earned income — the calculator applies the § 11b SGB II income disregards automatically.
- 4
Review the breakdown: standard rates per person + housing costs − countable income = monthly Bürgergeld.
- 5
Note the annual figure and compare it with the current Regelbedarfsstufe thresholds to verify eligibility.
📚Glossary+
- Standard Rate (Regelbedarf / Regelbedarfsstufe)
- The fixed monthly allowance covering food, clothing, personal care and household goods. The 2025 rate for a single adult (Stufe 1) is €563/month; a partner in shared accommodation (Stufe 2) receives €506/month. Rates are set annually by the Regelbedarfs-Ermittlungsgesetz (RBEG) — check the BMAS website for the current year's figures.
- Housing and Heating Costs (Kosten der Unterkunft)
- Actual rent plus heating charges reimbursed in full, provided they are deemed 'appropriate' (angemessen) by the local Jobcenter. Appropriateness thresholds vary by municipality and household size.
- Income Disregard (Freibetrag, § 11b SGB II)
- The portion of earned income excluded from the means test. The first €100/month is fully exempt; 20 % of earnings between €100 and €1,000 and 10 % between €1,000 and €1,200 (up to €1,500 with minor children) are also disregarded.
- Jobcenter
- The local public authority (joint venture between the Federal Employment Agency and the municipality) responsible for processing Bürgergeld applications, conducting eligibility reviews, and administering payments.
ℹ️Sources & updates+
Last data update
June 27, 2026
Sources and references
SGB II §§ 19–22 (Bürgergeld-Gesetz, BGBl. I 2022 Nr. 41); Regelbedarfs-Ermittlungsgesetz (RBEG); Alg II-V § 3; BMAS official rate tables.
The data in this calculator is updated regularly to reflect the latest official rates. When in doubt, consult the official sources listed above.
FAQ — Bürgergeld
Who is eligible for Bürgergeld in Germany?+
EU citizens and non-EU nationals with a valid residence permit that allows employment are generally eligible. You must be at least 15 and below the statutory retirement age (Regelaltersgrenze under § 7a SGB II, currently being phased to 67), able to work at least 3 hours per day, habitually resident in Germany, and have household assets below the protected threshold (§ 12 SGB II). In the first 12 months (Karenzzeit), housing costs are covered in full regardless of size.
What are the current monthly standard rates (Regelbedarfsstufe)?+
2025 figures (verify at BMAS for the current year): Stufe 1 (single adult) €563; Stufe 2 (partner in shared household) €506; Stufe 3 (adult child living with parents, under 25) €451; Stufe 4 (14–17 years) €471; Stufe 5 (6–13 years) €390; Stufe 6 (0–5 years) €357. Rates are adjusted annually and published in the Regelbedarfsstufen-Fortschreibungsverordnung (RBEG).
How much of my earned income is exempt from the means test?+
Under § 11b SGB II: the first €100/month is fully disregarded. Of income between €100 and €1,000, 20 % is exempt. Of income between €1,000 and €1,200 (or up to €1,500 if you have dependent children), 10 % is exempt. Income above these thresholds reduces your Bürgergeld euro for euro.
Are housing costs covered in full?+
During the first 12 months of receiving Bürgergeld (the Karenzzeit), actual housing and heating costs are reimbursed without a cap. After that, only 'appropriate' costs are covered. Appropriateness limits are set locally — Berlin, Munich and Hamburg each publish their own rent tables. Excess rent must be reduced within a reasonable period or the surplus is your responsibility.
Does Bürgergeld replace Arbeitslosengeld I (unemployment insurance)?+
No. Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) is contribution-based unemployment insurance, paid for up to 24 months depending on your insurance history. Bürgergeld is a separate, tax-funded means-tested benefit. You may receive Bürgergeld as a top-up if ALG I is insufficient to cover household needs, as it is calculated on the same § 19 SGB II basis.
Can self-employed people or freelancers apply for Bürgergeld?+
Yes. Freelancers and the self-employed whose income falls below the household threshold can claim Bürgergeld. Net profit (after documented business expenses, or a flat 20 % deduction on gross income where actual costs are not itemised, per § 3 Alg II-V) is then subject to the § 11b SGB II income disregards. The Jobcenter may request a business plan and periodic profit-and-loss statements.