This calculator provides a simplified estimate based on current 2024/2025 rates. Actual amounts may vary due to many individual factors (e.g., assets, special needs, regional rent caps). For binding information, contact the Jobcenter or a social welfare advisor.

The threshold hourly wage is the hourly rate at which you have more net money available than on welfare. It considers all state benefits like housing allowance and child supplement. If your current wage is below this, it doesn't necessarily mean work isn't worth it – there are also non-monetary benefits like pension contributions, social contacts, and self-esteem.

The calculator considers:

• Standard needs (Regelbedarf): The monthly base amount (€563 for single adults)
• Housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft): Warm rent is fully covered
• Additional needs (Mehrbedarfe): E.g., for single parents
• Child benefit (Kindergeld): Counted against Bürgergeld, kept when working

Wohngeld is a rent subsidy for low-income earners. You can receive it if you:

• Don't receive Bürgergeld (alternative)
• Have a minimum income
• Don't exceed income limits

Since the 2023 reform, significantly more people are eligible for Wohngeld.

The Kinderzuschlag (KiZ) is an additional benefit for working parents with low income. It amounts to a maximum of €292 per child (as of 2024) and is designed to prevent families from needing Bürgergeld despite working. Together with child benefit and housing allowance, it can completely replace Bürgergeld.

No! Even if there's little financial difference, work has many other advantages:

• Pension contributions: Every month of work increases your future pension
• Social contacts: Colleagues, building networks
• Career opportunities: Salary increases, promotions
• Self-esteem: Independence and recognition
• No controls: No accountability to the Jobcenter

Bürgergeld is Germany's basic income support, introduced in 2023 to replace "Hartz IV" (ALG II). It provides a monthly allowance for living expenses (currently €563 for single adults) plus full coverage of reasonable housing costs. It's intended as a safety net for those unable to support themselves through work.