Displaced persons from Ukraine who entered Germany after 1 April 2025 will now receive lower benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act instead of the citizen's income ("Bürgergeld") or social assistance, which was the previous legal situation in place.
The new draft of the Benefits Adjustment Act, which the cabinet has now approved, contains the following provisions for changing the legal status of displaced Ukrainians in Germany:
Responsible authorities: With the change in jurisdiction, the authorities under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, such as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) or the immigration authorities, will once again be responsible for displaced persons. Currently, this responsibility lies with job centres and social welfare offices.
Transitional period: Displaced Ukrainians, who arrived after 1 April 2025 and already receiving citizen's income or social assistance by the time the new law comes into force, will only receive asylum seeker benefits once their approved benefits end, but no later than three months after the law comes into force. Those who arrived before the cut-off date will continue to be entitled to citizen's income or social assistance.
Employment: Anyone who is able to work should seek gainful employment. Anyone who fails to comply with this obligation may be required by the authorities to take up a job opportunity in accordance with the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
Integration courses: Anyone who cannot find employment due to a lack of language skills will be required to participate in an integration course.