Basic income support for jobseekers (formerly Bürgergeld)

Grundsicherungsgeld is a state benefit for people who have little or no money for their living expenses. It is handled by the Jobcenter. Grundsicherungsgeld has replaced Bürgergeld as of 01.07.2026, although the term “Bürgergeld” is still used in some places. The online services, forms, and existing decisions can still be used. 1234

Who needs this

• You can apply if you are at least 15 years old, have not yet reached retirement age, live in Germany with your main residence, can work at least 3 hours per day, and are in need of help. 4
• People who are not able to work can also receive Grundsicherungsgeld if they live in a Bedarfsgemeinschaft with an employed and eligible person. 4
• If you are from abroad, you can also receive Grundsicherungsgeld if you meet the additional requirements. This can apply, for example, if you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and were previously employed in Germany and became unemployed involuntarily, or if you come from a third country and have a residence title that allows receipt of Grundsicherungsgeld. 34
• You can also get advice and support from the Jobcenter with job search, language courses, training, and other issues that make it harder to find work. 3

Step by step

1. Contact your responsible Jobcenter if you have questions or want to discuss your case. You can find the contact details using the Jobcenter search. 13
2. For an online application, sign in to your user account with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit or register first if you do not yet have an account. 1
3. Create the online application and enter your personal data. 1
4. Enter the remaining information and upload proof, for example for rent costs or income. 1
5. Submit the application online to your Jobcenter. If documents are still missing, you can upload them later, but the application can only be finally checked once all required proof has been received. 1
6. Wait for the decision notice (Bescheid). Check whether the information in it is correct. 1
7. After you apply, the Jobcenter usually invites you to a consultation. You can prepare by filling out your personal labour market profile online. 1

Documents

• Proof of costs, such as rent costs, and proof of income may be requested and uploaded in the online application. 1
• If you apply after an employment relationship, Hamburg names, among other things: identity document or passport with current registration certificate or residence title, proof of income, proof of assets, proof of ongoing expenses, proof of previous benefits, work papers, and an employer-issued work certificate or payslips. 5
• The Jobcenter also provides forms and attachments for income and assets. 4

Cost and time

• The application process is free of charge. 5
• In Hamburg, if you apply for the first time and submit all necessary documents and information with your application, processing takes about 14 days. 5

Deadlines

• There is no deadline; the benefit is paid starting from the month in which you submit the application. 5
• If you receive income or have usable assets, you must use your own resources first before support is granted, if allowances are exceeded. 4

City by city

• Hamburg: The local page for people over 25 says that applications can be submitted online or in writing, that there is no deadline, that first-time processing takes about 14 days if all documents are submitted, and that the application is free of charge. 5