Job Center: Important Changes Effective July 1, 2026

The “Bürgergeld” will be called “Grundsicherungsgeld” in the future and is often referred to by the Jobcenter as “benefits under the Social Code Book II (SGB II benefits).” The term “Bürgergeld” may still be used until December 31, 2026.

The asset exemptions will be reduced, and the previous waiting period for assets will be eliminated. The regulations regarding so-called “protected assets,” such as a motor vehicle, will remain in effect. Households that continue to receive benefits may no longer be eligible for subsequent applications starting July 1, 2026, if their assets exceed the new exemption limits.

The new exemption limits are based on age:

Within a household, unused exemption amounts can be transferred to other members. If you may no longer be eligible due to the new asset limits, please feel free to contact us for a consultation: Job Center: Current Availability - Benefits | City of Erlangen.

A rent cap will apply to housing costs in the future. Even during the waiting period, unreasonable housing costs will be covered only up to 1.5 times the local rent cap. Any amount exceeding that must be paid out of pocket. However, there are exceptions, such as when the limit would be unreasonable in a particular case or when children are part of the household.

In the future, the Jobcenter will not only check whether the rent is reasonable based on the rent cap, but also whether the rent control measures are being followed. If a violation is found, you must—with the Job Center’s assistance—request that your landlord charge only the permitted rent (i.e., issue a “notice of violation”).

Work or training is now even more important than receiving financial assistance or participating in programs. You should accept a full-time position whenever possible. If a program (e.g., a course) is important for your long-term employment, you may continue to participate in it by arrangement.

For Parents:
Once your child is 14 months old, you are expected to work, take an integration course, or participate in a program. Start looking for a daycare spot early. The Job Center can provide information on the search and registration processes.

For the Self-Employed:
After one year, the Job Center will assess whether your self-employment generates sufficient income. If this is not the case, you may have to take on another job.

As before, you will work with your integration specialist to create a plan (cooperation plan).

This plan includes:

1. What you want to achieve (e.g., training, job, or field of work)
2. What you need to do yourself (job search efforts)
3. Possible integration benefits under SGB II
4. Participation in an integration or language course, if applicable
5. Whether other agencies can help
6. Assistance with applying for participation benefits under SGB IX

Important: The Job Center will issue a formal notice imposing job-search obligations on you if a cooperation plan cannot be agreed upon—for example, if you fail to attend appointments without a valid reason or refuse to enter into a cooperation plan. If you subsequently fail to meet these obligations, your cash benefits will be reduced.

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

• Failure to provide evidence of required job search efforts, if such activities have been mandatorily specified by an administrative act and there is no valid reason.
  
  
• Discontinuing or failing to participate in a reasonable measure for integration into the workforce, an integration course, or job-related German language instruction without good cause and despite an obligation established by an administrative act.

If you fail to fulfill your obligations without good cause, the Job Center will reduce your benefits.

The reduction will then amount to 30% of your standard benefit and will apply for three months.

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

If you refuse a reasonable job offer, your entire standard benefit will be suspended. If a benefit reduction was imposed due to refusal to work, but the opportunity to take the job subsequently becomes unavailable, the suspension of benefits will be lifted after one month, but no later than two months.

If you repeatedly fail to attend appointments without a valid reason, your benefits will be reduced by 30 % for one month in accordance with Book II of the Social Code.

Complete Withdrawal of Benefits After Multiple Failures to Report

• If you fail to report three times in a row, your benefits will be suspended in two stages.
• In the first month, the standard benefit will be suspended. However, housing, health insurance, and additional needs will continue to be paid.
• If you reappear within one month, the consequence will be converted to a regular missed appointment (30% reduction for one month).
• If you do not appear in person at the Job Center within one month, you are considered unreachable. This results in the loss of all entitlement to benefits. This means that the standard benefit, housing costs, health insurance, and any additional needs are discontinued.

Cooperation pays off: If you participate in the cooperation plan, the Jobcenter can better support you.

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

If you have mental health issues, the Job Center may order an evaluation to determine why you are missing appointments.

If you fail to fulfill your obligations without a valid reason, your benefits may be reduced or discontinued.

Current Availability – Activation Benefits