The legislature has reformed the basic income scheme. On 1 July, the basic security benefits for jobseekers will replace the basic income scheme. This reinforces the priority given to finding employment and training placements over participation in further training, and makes the obligations to cooperate even more binding. In cases where qualifications or further training offer better prospects for sustainable integration than direct job placement, these opportunities should continue to be made available in future.

Individual circumstances continue to be taken into account through firmly established safeguards, for example to protect people with mental health conditions or children in households sharing financial responsibility from hardship through no fault of their own.

From July 2026, applications will be processed at job centres in accordance with the new legal framework. People receiving the basic security benefits do not need to take any action themselves. This also applies even if the term "basic security benefits” (Bürgergeld) is still used in newly issued letters. All application forms, notification letters and correspondence will be fully updated in stages by the end of the year. Decisions on basic security benefits that have already been issued will remain valid even after 1 July 2026. 

Cash benefits are paid without interruption; the continuation of agreed measures and the seamless provision of support to clients is ensured.