Germany is changing the rules for providing social assistance to newly arrived Ukrainian refugees from April 1, 2025. This became known after reaching an agreement between the three main political forces — the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), writes IZ.
From now on, Ukrainian citizens arriving in Germany after April 1, 2025, will no longer be eligible for Bürgergeld , the basic social assistance that covers housing, food, daily necessities, and job search support. Instead, they will receive financial support under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefit Act, which is significantly lower.
These changes will apply exclusively to new arrivals. In order to qualify for assistance, they will have to pass a mandatory means test according to uniform standards for the entire country. The changes also provide for a centralized procedure for distributing assistance to avoid abuses and strengthen control.
Ukrainians who have been in Germany since 2022, when the country granted them temporary protection without having to apply for asylum, will remain on their previous social security benefits. There are currently around 1.25 million Ukrainian refugees living in Germany, most of whom are women and children.
We remind you that it was previously reported that the European Commission announced plans regarding the future status of Ukrainians.