A recent calculation by comparison portal Verivox indicates that the citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld) may not adequately cover average electricity costs for recipients in 2025 and beyond. The calculation, reported by newspapers of the Funke-Mediengruppe, reveals a potential shortfall of approximately €56 per year for single individuals. While this deficit is smaller than in previous years – €74 in 2024 and €129 in 2023 – Verivox recommends that recipients explore switching electricity providers to mitigate the financial burden and potentially achieve further savings.
The Federal Cabinet approved a regulation this week that maintains current rates for the monthly cost of living for citizen’s allowance recipients in 2026. Over five million individuals across Germany currently receive citizen’s allowance.
For single adults, the monthly allowance remains at €563, which includes a calculated €45.70 for electricity. Any difference between the allowance and actual electricity costs must be covered by the recipient. According to Verivox, the average electricity cost for a single-person household consuming 1,500 kilowatt-hours annually stands at €50.33 per month – roughly 10% higher than the allowance’s provision.
Significant regional variations exist in the gap between allowance and actual costs. Hamburg residents face an average monthly electricity expenditure of €57.93, exceeding the allowance by approximately €27%, resulting in a potential annual shortfall of €147. The Saarland (€101), Baden-Württemberg (€98) and North Rhine-Westphalia (€80) also exhibit notable discrepancies. Conversely, Brandenburg, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt show nominal additions, while Bremen stands as an exception with annual costs €16 below the allowance. Electricity costs vary regionally, influenced by factors such as network charges, concession fees, regional competition and population density.
However, favorable newcomer tariffs can close the shortfall altogether. These tariffs average €40.48 per month nationwide, resulting in annual savings of €64 compared to the allowance provision.
“Especially for those on expensive default supply tariffs, a comparison is worthwhile” stated Thorsten Storck, energy expert at Verivox. “Those who regularly switch providers can undercut the electricity allowance in the citizen’s allowance and save additionally.
Job centers do not separately cover electricity costs for citizen’s allowance recipients, instead incorporating them within the monthly allowance; recipients are responsible for managing these expenses. The allowance calculation is based on the Income and Consumption Survey (EVS). Verivox’s calculation utilized an EVS figure of €35.30 for single individuals, adjusted to €45.70 in 2026, reflecting price fluctuations.