Citizen's Income Calculator

What is Bürgergeld (Citizen's Income)?

Bürgergeld is Germany's statutory basic social security benefit for individuals fit for work whose income is insufficient to cover living costs. Governed by Book Two of the Social Code (SGB II), it replaced the previous Unemployment Benefit II ('Hartz IV') on January 1, 2023.

• Legal Basis: Statutory basic income support under SGB II – replacing former Hartz IV since 2023.
• Jurisdiction: Your municipal Jobcenter assesses eligibility and disburses benefits monthly in advance.
• Application & Notice: Submit your claim online or in writing to receive an official determination notice.
• Household Benefit Unit (Bedarfsgemeinschaft): Entitlement covers all household members, including spouses and children under 25.
• Calculator: Use our interactive calculator above to check your estimated entitlement anonymously and free of charge.

How is Bürgergeld Calculated?

The benefit follows a clear statutory formula: Total living need minus countable income equals your monthly disbursement. Total need comprises the standard allowance rate, accommodation & heating costs (KdU), and specific extra need allowances.

Standard Rates Table 2025 / 2026 by Benefit Level

The standard allowance covers day-to-day living expenses including food, clothing, personal hygiene, household energy, and social participation across 6 official tiers (RBS).

Children additionally qualify for Education and Participation package (BuT): school supplies (€195/school year), free daycare/school lunches, and €15/month for extracurricular clubs.

3 Practical Calculation Examples

These representative examples demonstrate how household configuration impacts monthly Bürgergeld payments:

Earned Income Allowance – How Much Salary is Protected?

A statutory basic allowance of €100 is completely exempt from deductions, with tiered exemptions allowing you to retain up to €348 (or €378 with children). Working always pays off.

Eligibility & Priority Social Benefits

Bürgergeld is a subordinate safety net. It takes effect when prior benefits like unemployment insurance (ALG I), housing allowance (Wohngeld), or child supplements do not suffice.

Housing Costs & 1-Year Waiting Period (Karenzzeit)

During the first 12 months of receipt, actual rent costs are recognized in full without checking housing size reasonableness. Heating expenses are covered up to reasonable limits.

Owner-occupied residential homes (up to 140 m²) or condominiums (up to 130 m²) as well as an appropriate passenger vehicle remain protected from liquidation even after year one.