Jobcenter: Important changes as of 01.07.2026

In future, the "citizen's allowance" will be called "basic security benefit" and is often referred to by the job center as "benefits under Social Code Book Two (SGB II benefits)". The term "Bürgergeld" may still be used until 31.12.2026.

The asset allowances will be reduced and the previous waiting period for assets will no longer apply. The regulations on so-called "protected assets", for example for a motor vehicle, will remain in place. From 01.07.2026, benefit communities that continue to receive benefits may no longer be eligible for subsequent applications if their assets exceed the new allowances.

The new allowances are based on age:

Within a benefit community, unused allowances can be transferred to other members. If you may no longer be eligible due to the new asset limits, you are welcome to contact us for advice: Jobcenter: Current accessibility - benefit | City of Erlangen.

A rent cap will apply to accommodation costs in future. Even during the waiting period, unreasonable accommodation costs will only be covered up to 1.5 times the local upper rent limit . You will have to pay any additional costs yourself. However, there are exceptions, e.g. if the limit would be unreasonable in individual cases or if children belong to the community of need.

In future, the Jobcenter will not only check the appropriateness of the rent based on the upper rent limit, but also whether the rent cap is being adhered to. If it is determined that the rent cap has been exceeded, you must - with the support of the Jobcenter - ask your landlord to only charge the permissible rent (to "reprimand").

Work or training is now even more important than assistance with living expenses or participation in measures. You should take on a full-time job if possible. If a measure (e.g. a course) is important for your long-term employment, you can continue to do this by arrangement.

For parents:
After the 14th month of your child's life, you can be expected to work, attend an integration course or take part in a measure. Look for a nursery place early on. The Jobcenter will help you with this.

For the self-employed:
After one year, the Jobcenter will check whether your self-employment generates enough income. If this is not the case, you may have to take on another job.

As before, you draw up a plan (cooperation plan) together with your integration specialist.

This plan contains

1. What you want to achieve (e.g. training, job or field of activity)
2. What you need to do yourself (application efforts)
3. Possible benefits for integration according to SGB II
4. If applicable, participation in an integration or language course
5. Whether other agencies can help
6. Support in applying for benefits for participation in accordance with SGB IX

Important: The Jobcenter will impose job search obligations on you by notice if no cooperation plan is concluded, e.g. if you do not attend appointments without good reason or do not wish to conclude a cooperation plan. If you subsequently fail to comply with such obligations, your cash benefits will be reduced.

The following actions will be considered breaches of duty in future:

• Failure to provide proof of required application efforts if the application activities have been bindingly determined by administrative act and there is no good cause.
  
  
• Abandoning or not taking up a reasonable measure for integration into employment, an integration course or a job-related German language course without good cause and despite an obligation by administrative act.

If you do not fulfill your obligations without good cause, the Jobcenter will reduce your benefits.

The reduction then amounts to 30% of your standard requirement and applies for three months.

You can end the reduction with regard to the aforementioned breaches of duty if you make up for your obligations.

If you refuse reasonable work, your entire standard requirement will be reduced. If a reduction in benefits has been imposed due to refusal to work, but the possibility of taking up work subsequently ceases to exist, the withdrawal of benefits will be lifted after one month, but at the latest after two months.

If you repeatedly fail to attend appointments without good cause, your benefits under Social Security Code II will be reduced by 30% for one month.

Complete withdrawal of benefits after several failures to register

• If you fail to register three times in succession, your benefits will be stopped in two stages.
• In the first month, the standard requirement is canceled. However, accommodation, health insurance and additional needs will continue to be paid.
• If you appear again within one month, the consequence will be converted into a regular missed appointment (30% for one month).
• If you do not appear in person at the Jobcenter within one month, you will be considered unavailable. This means that you will lose your entire entitlement to benefits. This means that standard needs, accommodation costs, health insurance and any additional needs will be canceled.

Cooperation pays off: If you take part in the cooperation plan, the Jobcenter can provide you with better support.

If your life situation changes, you can adapt the plan together with your integration specialist.

If you have psychological problems, the Jobcenter can order an examination to clarify why you are not keeping appointments.

If you fail to meet your obligations without good cause, your benefits may be reduced or withdrawn.

Current availability - activating benefits