Germany: Newly Arrived Ukrainians Move from Bürgergeld to Asylum Seekers' Benefits — What the Rechtskreiswechsel Changes

The German government is preparing a substantial change to the social benefits system for Ukrainians — the so-called Rechtskreiswechsel (change of legal status). Its essence: newly arrived refugees from Ukraine will no longer receive Bürgergeld (basic support under SGB II), but will move to lower benefits under the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG) — the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.

The Cabinet adopted the corresponding bill (Leistungsrechtsanpassungsgesetz) on 19 November 2025. The first reading in the Bundestag took place on 15 January 2026. However, as of 20 June 2026 the law has not yet been finally adopted.

Who this applies to

The key criterion is the date of entry into Germany:

• Those who entered on 1 April 2025 or later — fall under the new rules and have to move to benefits under AsylbLG.
• Those who arrived before 1 April 2025 — continue to receive Bürgergeld / social assistance under the old rules; nothing changes for them.

This concerns persons with temporary protection under the Mass Influx Directive (Massenzustromrichtlinie, 2001/55/EG) who are in need of support (Bundesregierung).

How the amounts will change

The difference in the basic rate for a single adult in 2026:

• Bürgergeld: €563 per month (the rate does not change in 2026 — the so-called «Nullrunde»).
• AsylbLG, need level 1: €455 per month (€253 for necessary needs + €202 for personal needs) — roughly 20% less (asyl.net).

Important: housing and heating costs will continue to be covered separately by the local authorities — the reduction concerns precisely the basic rate for daily needs.

The actual amount of basic benefits under AsylbLG remains the subject of political and legal dispute, but as of mid-2026 the rate of €455 is the one in force.

What else changes in practice

• A different authority. Instead of the Jobcenter, the benefits will be administered by the local authority under AsylbLG — usually the social welfare office (Sozialamt) or another municipal social benefits service. The foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) continues to handle residence matters, and the BAMF handles asylum procedures, but not the administration of these benefits.
• Obligation to look for work. Persons able to work must make efforts to find employment; refusal is subject to sanctions.
• Integration courses. Those who do not speak German may be required to attend courses.

Transition period

For those who already receive Bürgergeld or social assistance at the time the law enters into force, the switch will not take place immediately: after the end of the approved benefit period, but no later than three months after the law enters into force (sgb2.info).

When this will take effect

The planned start date is 1 July 2026. However, the law is stuck in the Bundesrat: the states and municipalities criticise it because of additional costs, bureaucracy and the risk of worse integration into the labour market (Bundestag). It is therefore currently unclear whether the switch will take place precisely on 1 July 2026 or will again be postponed.

What to do now: if you entered Germany after 1 April 2025, follow the official notifications of your Jobcenter and local social welfare office and keep the document confirming your date of entry (residence permit, Fiktionsbescheinigung or registration certificate) — it is precisely the date of entry that will determine which benefits you will be paid.