Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour has recalculated the standard rates for basic citizen’s income, revealing no increase for recipients in 2026. The forthcoming regulation, led by Minister Bärbel Bas, affects approximately 5.6 million individuals.
The cabinet is scheduled to approve the freeze on September 10th, with no further parliamentary approval required. A single adult will continue to receive 563 euros per month, while children’s rates will remain at 357 euros (0-6 years), 390 euros (7-14 years) and 471 euros (15-18 years).
Concurrently, benefits for asylum seekers are slated for an increase of 14 euros per month, bringing the total to 455 euros. This adjustment stems from the absence of legal protection for these benefits, following a disproportionate rise in 2024 and a subsequent reduction of 19 euros in 2025.
Alongside the freeze on citizen’s income rates, Minister Bas is also proposing stricter sanction rules for recipients. “I am ensuring more momentum in support services. Those who fail to attend appointments without valid reason will now face significantly greater reductions in benefits” she stated.
Under the proposed changes, failure to attend appointments at job centres could result in a 30 percent reduction in benefits – a substantial increase from the current 10 percent. Repeated refusal of suitable employment by able-bodied citizen’s income recipients could lead to a complete suspension of benefits, according to plans developed jointly by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Minister Bas emphasized her commitment to facilitating employment. “I want to get people into work-more advice, closer support and greater accountability. We are offering people stronger support on the path to employment, but those who do not participate will face more difficulties” she concluded.