Germany is preparing to overhaul its benefit system for Ukrainian refugees. Citing sources in the leadership, Politico reports that the federal government is drafting a bill that could strip Ukrainians of their access to Bürgergeld—the long-term social welfare payment primarily intended for the unemployed.
The move comes amid a growing influx of young Ukrainians following Kyiv’s decision to ease travel restrictions for men aged 18–22. Jürgen Hardt, a lawmaker from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), addressed the situation bluntly, stating that Berlin has no interest in hosting young Ukrainians who should be defending their own state. While acknowledging that Ukraine manages its own affairs, Hardt emphasized the need to stem the migration wave.
According to German media, roughly 490,000 work-capable Ukrainians currently receive Bürgergeld. The opposition and members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s governing coalition are calling for cuts to social spending and stricter requirements for refugees. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats (SPD) have urged a more measured approach, calling for a thorough analysis before any final decisions are made.
Under the new proposals, basic monthly assistance for a single adult could drop from €563 to €441—a reduction of roughly €100–€120. However, the government would continue to cover housing and heating costs separately. For Ukrainians who arrived before April 1, 2025, and are already receiving Bürgergeld, payments are expected to remain unchanged for the time being.
Germany hosts a significant number of Ukrainian refugees (over 1.2 million in late 2025), offering Temporary Protection status, extended until March 2027, providing financial aid (Bürgergeld), housing, and healthcare, though new arrivals after April 2025 face reduced support (Asylum Seekers' Benefits). Integration involves registration, language learning, and finding jobs, with major hubs in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, but bureaucracy and language barriers pose challenges, especially for young men seeking work or study.
