In Germany, payments to refugees from Ukraine will be reduced: what will change

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The German government has decided to reduce payments to refugees from Ukraine – the corresponding draft law on social assistance reform will be approved this week, the head of the German Ministry of Internal Affairs, Alexander Dobrindt, said.

Source: “European truth” with reference to the minister’s interview with DW

Dobrindt’s direct speech: “We have agreed to change the legal framework. This agreement has already been agreed between the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of the Interior. This week it will also be approved at a meeting of the federal government, and it will apply retrospectively from April 1 this year.”

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Details: According to the minister, the changes provide that newly arrived Ukrainians will no longer receive social assistance for citizens (Bürgergeld), but will switch to the system of payments under the law on payments to asylum seekers (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz).

In addition, those arriving from Ukraine will also be required to try to find work.

“If no effort is made to provide employment in Germany, then further reductions in benefits will occur,” explained Dobrindt.

Also, the authorities will conduct property checks, so only those who do not have their own assets will be able to expect social assistance.

“If assets are available, they must be used before assisting asylum seekers,” Dobrindt added.

Prehistory:

• The media previously reported that Ukrainians who came to Germany after April 1, 2025, will no longer receive the so-called “Bürgergeld”, the aid given to those looking for work or those whose income is not enough to support themselves.
• Currently, 1.1 million Ukrainians live in Germany. They receive 563 euros per month in the form of basic assistance (for single persons). The state also covers the costs of housing rent, heating, etc.
• In contrast, the Act on Assistance to Asylum Seekers provides 196 euros for personal needs and 245 euros for basic expenses (food, clothing). Together, this amounts to 441 euros per month.
• One of the studies shows that more than half of Ukrainians with temporary protection are not very satisfied with life in Germany.

Read also on this topic: Time to return to Ukraine? How the EU will change the rules for Ukrainian “refugees” after 2026

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