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The number of top-ups increases: billions for citizens' money from the state!
Find out how the number of top-ups has been increasing since 2015 and what impact citizens' money has on those affected.
The number of top-ups increases: billions for citizens' money from the state!
A recent survey shows that the need for additional financial help is constantly growing. People with low incomes who rely on citizens' money are particularly affected. According to oz-online.de, around 826,000 employed people took advantage of citizens' benefit last year. This is an alarming signal as the number of top-ups is increasing for the first time since 2015.
Government spending on citizens' money amounted to around seven billion euros last year, which represents an increase compared to previous years. In order to understand the situation in more detail, it is important to know that entitlement to the supplementary amount depends on income, assets and needs. The Federal Employment Agency explained this in its most recent information. The requirement consists of a fixed standard requirement as well as the costs for accommodation and heating.
The role of the minimum wage
A look at the legal minimum wage shows that it has risen from 8.50 euros per hour in 2015 to currently 12.82 euros. Nevertheless, there are calls for an increase to 15 euros in 2026, supported by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Employers, on the other hand, are skeptical about this requirement. The left-wing MP Cem Ince has spoken out in favor of a significant increase in the minimum wage, as the figures show that many people who increase their wages are often mini-jobbers, with almost half of them receiving no more than the minimum wage, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Another aspect is the income that top-up workers earn compared to minimum wage earners. The calculations by the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) show cold facts: a childless couple who works 28.5 hours a week for the minimum wage has a monthly net income of around 2,290 euros. In comparison, a couple who receives citizen's benefit only has 1,458 euros available, including rent. This difference of 832 euros illustrates the precarious situation of many households.
State support and realities of life
The rising costs of citizens' money are also a reaction to the growing number of those in need. While spending on citizens' money in 2024 is forecast at 6.99 billion euros, it shows that households with at least one top-up received a total of 11.61 billion euros. This is partly because many boosters earn below-average wages. Around two thirds of those in employment who are also dependent on citizen's benefit cannot live on their income.
A practical example illustrates the situation: Mr. Hartwig, 35 years old and single, earns 650 euros gross per month. After deducting the rent of 410 euros, he is left with a supplementary amount of 581.50 euros, which, together with his salary, results in a monthly income of 1,135 euros. Without work, however, he could only count on 223 euros in citizen's benefit per month. These numbers make it clear how important citizen's money is as financial support, but also how low the financial security that many people can expect is.
It remains to be hoped that the discussion about an increase in the minimum wage and possible reforms in the area of social security can improve the living conditions of those affected. It is clear that a lot of movement is needed to find a fair and sustainable solution for everyone.