In July 2025, significant changes will take effect in Germany’s social security system, affecting recipients of Bürgergeld as well as pensioners. In addition to financial adjustments, a new standard for secure digital communication with the Jobcenter will be introduced.

Key points for benefit recipients:

E-mails will no longer be accepted

As of 1 July 2025, Jobcenters across Germany – including in NRW – will no longer accept any correspondence or documents via email.
This change is due to:

- compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR),

- The shift to secure, encrypted digital communication.

All submissions (inquiries, documents, proofs, etc.) must be made via the official platform jobcenter.digital.

How it works:

- Register or log in to the portal.

- Use the Postfachservice to send messages or documents.

- Receive delivery confirmations, responses, and access your communication history.

- Alternatively, use the Jobcenter app for mobile access.

The link is here.

Sanctions for Bürgergeld recipients

From January 2025:
If recipients refuse to participate in assigned programs or violate obligations, their benefits may be reduced by up to 30% for 1 to 3 months.
The reasonable commuting time to a job is increased to up to 3 hours per day.

Changes to protected savings (Schonvermögen)

From 2025, the protection period for existing savings will be reduced from 12 to 6 months.

After these 6 months:

the Jobcenter will review your financial assets,

if the allowed limits are exceeded, personal funds must be used before any state support is granted.

Current asset allowances (as of 2025): up to €40,000 for the main applicant, €15,000 for each additional household member.
After the protection period: generally €15,000 per person allowed.

This means that your savings will start being taken into account earlier when calculating the benefits.

Employment bonus. A bonus of €1,000 will be introduced for those who have been employed subject to social insurance for at least 6 months and can prove a total of at least 12 months of contribution history.

Compiler of the selection : Anastasiia Malyshenko