In 2024, total payments from the federal government, states and municipalities toward the Bürgergeld rose to €57.1 billion, according to new figures cited by the “Bild” (Saturday edition) from the Federal Employment Agency.
That means each of the roughly 2.9 million households receiving the benefit received an average of €19,475 for the year – about €1,623 per month – a 15 percent increase over 2022. In 2022 the average was €16,879, and in 2023 it had risen to €18,105.
The bulk of the spending – €22.06 billion – went to the regular benefit rates. Housing and heating costs accounted for €17.46 billion; social security contributions (health and nursing care insurance) took €7.17 billion; integration services were funded at €3.68 billion; administrative costs reached €6.45 billion. The remaining €260 million covered other services.
Regional variation is considerable. Offenbach’s households received the highest average amount of €22,277, followed by Groß‑Gerau (€22,259) and the Main‑Taunus district (€22,255). Cities such as Essen (€22,027) and Hamburg (€21,790) also exceeded the national average. By contrast, rural areas record lower payments – Miesbach averages €15,736 and Oberallgäu €15,984. The difference between the richest and poorest job centers stands at €6,541 per household per year.
Experts point to differing housing and rent costs, number of children in a household, and the share of so‑called “add‑on” cases as key drivers behind this disparity.