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Applying for Bürgergeld: where, how and online

You apply for Bürgergeld at the Jobcenter responsible for your area – in person, by post, or completely online via jobcenter.digital. For the online application you need a free BA user account; the portal guides you step by step through the digital main application (Hauptantrag) and lets you upload proof documents directly. Important: the application takes effect retroactively to the first day of the month in which it is received (§ 37 Abs. 2 SGB II), but not to earlier months – so submit it as early as possible. The standard rate (Regelsatz) for single people in 2026 remains unchanged at 563 Euro per month, and in addition the appropriate costs for rent and heating are usually covered.

Last updated: 25.07.2026 · Editorial team HalloAmt · General information, not legal advice (see note at the end).

The main application (Hauptantrag) has several annexes and many fields – that's exactly where many people get stuck. HalloAmt goes through the questions with you in more than 50 languages, tells you which documents you need, and generates your finished PDF ready to submit at the end. Start now →

I've lost my job – where and how do I apply for Bürgergeld?

If you have no income or too little income, you submit your application to your Jobcenter. You have three ways to do this: online via jobcenter.digital, in person, or by post. The core form is called the main application (Hauptantrag, HA), plus several annexes – for example about your home (Anlage KDU for housing and heating costs), about income (Anlage EK), and for every other person in your household.

You receive Bürgergeld if you are fit for work and in need of assistance. Specifically, that means:

  • You are at least 15 years old.
  • You have not yet reached the standard retirement age.
  • You are able to work at least three hours a day.
  • You live in Germany.
  • Your income is below the subsistence minimum.

If you receive an old-age pension, you do not fall under the Jobcenter, but under basic income support in old age (Grundsicherung im Alter) at the social welfare office (Sozialamt) (SGB XII).

Tip if you've lost your job: register early. An application always only counts from the first day of the month in which it is received – not retroactively for earlier months. A short, informal application ("I am applying for Bürgergeld from …") is enough to meet the deadline; you can submit the forms afterwards.

Is Bürgergeld even still called that in 2026?

Since 1 July 2026, the benefit has officially been called Grundsicherungsgeld, or the "new Grundsicherung for jobseekers" (neue Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende). This means the term "Bürgergeld" disappears from the legal text, but the benefit itself stays the same – the responsible authority remains the Jobcenter, and the application process works as before. If you are already receiving benefits, you don't need to do anything: ongoing decisions continue to be paid under the new name without a new application. What's new is mainly stricter cooperation duties and sanctions, as well as a stronger priority on job placement. Because almost everyone still says "Bürgergeld", we continue to use the term here – it refers to the same benefit.

Can I apply for Bürgergeld completely online?

Yes. Via jobcenter.digital you can submit the entire application online. The portal only asks for the information relevant to your situation, explains every step, and lets you upload proof documents directly. Here's how it works:

  1. Create a BA user account. If you don't have an account, you'll be redirected to free registration. With an online ID (eID), this goes faster.
  2. Fill out the digital main application (Hauptantrag). You are guided step by step and only answer relevant questions.
  3. Upload documents. You upload bank statements, your rental agreement, ID, and so on, as a photo or scan.
  4. Submit and use the inbox. Afterwards, you communicate securely with the Jobcenter through the online inbox, submit additional documents, and retrieve decisions.

Do you still have to go in person? Often not – the application is processed digitally. However, the Jobcenter may invite you to an in-person meeting (initial consultation, identity check). Without internet access or an online ID, you can still go the traditional route: pick up forms in person or submit them by post.

Which Jobcenter is responsible for me – for example in Berlin or Hamburg?

The Jobcenter responsible is always the one at your place of residence, more precisely, at your registered center of life. In large cities, there are several locations:

  • Berlin: Each of the 12 district Jobcenters (for example Lichtenberg, Neukölln, Mitte) is responsible for the people in its district. What matters is which district you live in. You also start the online main application via jobcenter.digital or the website of your district Jobcenter.
  • Hamburg: Here the provider is called "Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg", with locations in the districts. Online applications are possible here too.

If you're not sure: on jobcenter.digital you can find the right Jobcenter using your postal code. Your place of residence decides – not where you were registered before.

What documents do I need for the Bürgergeld application?

To have your application processed quickly, prepare these documents:

  • Valid ID document: national ID card, passport, or residence permit.
  • Bank statements from the last few months, from all accounts.
  • Rental agreement and proof of rent and heating costs (for the costs of accommodation, Kosten der Unterkunft).
  • Proof of income for everyone in the household (wages, pension, child benefit (Kindergeld), maintenance payments).
  • If you've lost your job: termination letter and work certificate (Arbeitsbescheinigung) from your employer.
  • Proof of assets, if the Jobcenter requests it (savings, securities, vehicles).
  • For other household members: birth certificates, school certificates, ID documents.

Submit your documents clearly legible and complete – missing documents are the most common reason for delays.

I'm new to Germany and have a residence permit – can I get Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)?

The law generally does not distinguish between German and foreign nationals: anyone with their habitual residence in Germany who is fit to work and in need of assistance is entitled to it. For residence status, the following details apply:

  • Recognized refugees and people with protection status (e.g. with a residence permit following asylum recognition, refugee protection, or subsidiary protection) are entitled to Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld). The Jobcenter is responsible.
  • Asylum seekers in an ongoing procedure (Aufenthaltsgestattung, permission to reside) and people with a Duldung (temporary suspension of deportation) generally do not receive Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld), but instead receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz, AsylbLG) through the social welfare office (Sozialamt). The AsylbLG takes precedence over Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld).
  • EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are entitled if they work or have worked in Germany and became involuntarily unemployed. Anyone who enters Germany solely to look for work is usually excluded in the first months. An exception applies if habitual residence has existed for at least five years (the period starts from registration with the registration office, Meldebehörde).
  • Third-country nationals need a residence title that permits receiving these benefits. The Jobcenter checks on a case-by-case basis whether your title qualifies.

Important for people with a residence title: For many titles, secured livelihood is a requirement. Receiving Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) can therefore, depending on the title, have a negative effect on the renewal of your residence title, on a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), or on a later naturalization. Recognized refugees and people with a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) are generally not affected by this. Because this depends heavily on the individual title: clarify the consequences before applying, at a migration counseling service.

People who have newly moved to Germany should additionally submit:

  • the residence title or the permission to reside (Aufenthaltsgestattung) or Duldung
  • the BAMF recognition notice (if available)
  • the registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) from the residents' registration office

If in doubt, ask the Jobcenter whether the Jobcenter or the social welfare office (Sozialamt) is responsible for you – this way you avoid applying to the wrong office.

My German isn't very good yet – how do I fill out the application correctly anyway?

The Jobcenter's forms are difficult even for native speakers. You are allowed to use the following help:

  • You are allowed to get help. A trusted person, a social counseling service (e.g. Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, migration counseling), or a welfare organization may support you in filling out the forms.
  • Proof documents can be submitted later. First submit a short, informal application to secure the deadline for the first of the month. You can submit the complete forms afterward.
  • Ask questions. You can ask the Jobcenter for support; multilingual information sheets are sometimes available.
  • Use a filling-out aid in your language, which explains the official questions and correctly transfers your answers into the form.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I apply for Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)?

At the Jobcenter responsible for your place of residence. You can submit the application in person, by mail, or online via jobcenter.digital. The benefit is paid from the first day of the month in which the application is received.

Can I apply for Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) completely online?

Yes. Using the digital main application (Hauptantrag) on jobcenter.digital, you fill out everything online and upload proof documents. For this you need a free BA user account. A personal appointment may still be necessary.

How much Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) will I receive in 2026?

The standard rate for single people in 2026 is 563 euros per month, unchanged since 2024. For couples it is 506 euros each (1,012 euros together). In addition, there are usually the reasonable costs for rent and heating.

Do people with a residence permit also get Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)?

Yes, if they have their habitual residence in Germany, are fit to work, and are in need of assistance. Excluded are people who receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz) – the social welfare office (Sozialamt) is responsible for them.

Will Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) have a different name from July 2026?

Yes. Since July 1, 2026, the benefit is officially called "Grundsicherungsgeld" (basic security payment) or "neue Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende" (new basic security for jobseekers). This does not change the standard rates; ongoing cases continue to be paid without a new application.

Do I have to submit the application immediately?

Yes, as early in the month as possible. The application takes effect retroactively to the first of the month in which it is received (§ 37 Abs. 2 SGB II) – but not to earlier months. Anyone who starts too late in the month does not lose anything for that month, but does lose money for the time before.

Fill out the Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) application now

The main application (Hauptantrag) with its supplements is long, and mistakes easily happen, especially under tight deadlines or language barriers. HalloAmt goes through the questions with you in your language and creates your finished PDF for submission to the Jobcenter. Fill out the Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) application with HalloAmt →

This page offers general, carefully researched information (as of 25.07.2026) and does not replace legal or official advice. Amounts, deadlines, and responsibilities may change; the responsible Jobcenter decides on a case-by-case basis. For binding information, please contact your Jobcenter, a migration counseling service, or a lawyer. We cannot guarantee completeness or accuracy.

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