Some foreign residents can qualify, but the details depend on residence status, right to work, habitual residence in Germany and exclusion rules. EU citizens, non-EU residents, students and newly arrived jobseekers can face different rules. The calculator estimates the amount, not immigration eligibility.

Bürgergeld is for people who live in Germany, are generally able to work at least three hours per day, and whose household unit cannot cover its minimum needs from income or usable assets. People who cannot work may still be included if they live with an eligible person in a Bedarfsgemeinschaft.

The 2026 standard rates remain unchanged: EUR 563 for single adults and single parents, EUR 506 for each partner in a couple, EUR 451 for young adults under 25 in the parental household, EUR 471 for children aged 14 to 17, EUR 390 for children aged 6 to 13 and EUR 357 for children aged 0 to 5.

A Bedarfsgemeinschaft is the household unit used by the Jobcenter. It usually includes the applicant, spouse or partner, and unmarried children under 25 who cannot support themselves. A flat share is not automatically a Bedarfsgemeinschaft; shared finances and mutual responsibility matter.

The Jobcenter covers housing and heating costs if they are reasonable for the local area. During the first year of benefit receipt, housing costs are protected more strongly by the Karenzzeit, but heating costs must still be reasonable. Local limits vary by city and district.

Income is counted after allowances. For earned income, the first EUR 100 are protected, and further percentages are protected in the ranges above that. Other income such as child benefit, maintenance, unemployment insurance, pensions or self-employment income is entered separately.

Yes. Kindergeld is normally counted as the child's income while it is needed to cover the child's needs. From January 2026, child benefit is EUR 259 per child per month, so a household with two children enters EUR 518.

The two benefits usually exclude each other. Bürgergeld is for households below the subsistence level and includes housing costs in the need calculation. Wohngeld is for households with enough income to cover living costs but needing help with rent. If income is close to the threshold, calculate both.

The notice checker compares the calculator result with the amount in your Jobcenter Bewilligungsbescheid. A difference does not automatically prove an error, but it can point to missing additional needs, income treatment, child benefit, heating costs or a local housing-cost cap.