Thuringian SPD calls for radical reform of citizen's benefit for refugees!

Thuringian SPD calls for radical reform of citizen's benefit for refugees!

In the last few weeks, the discussion about citizens' benefits for refugees and migrants in Germany has been reignited. The Thuringian SPD politicians Marko Wolfram and Matthias Jendricke spoke out about this and called for fundamental reform. Their goal is clear: a faster integration of migrants into the labor market should be made possible and social tensions should be avoided. In order to achieve this, they propose a reform of citizens' money, which should in future be given as an interest-free loan to asylum seekers and people from non-EU countries. These changes could have a significant impact on the way social benefits are delivered.

As politicians emphasize, it would make sense for students to be guided by the Bafög system. This could create an incentive system whereby loan repayment can be waived if recipients find a job and take a language test within a year. In addition, the successful completion of school by children could result in a repayment bonus for the parents. The concept aims to promote the integration of migrants without cutting general social benefits for refugees and foreigners.

Standard rates and subsistence level

The current standard rate for citizens' benefit is part of the basic security for job seekers according to SGB II and covers the costs of basic needs such as food, clothing and electricity. The standard rate for single people is currently 563 euros, while couples in a community of needs receive 1,012 euros. These rates have remained unchanged since 2024, meaning there will be no increase from January 1, 2025. As buerger-geld.org reports, these amounts are paid out monthly in advance and ensures that essential living costs are covered.

In addition, the standard rate also includes expenses for accommodation and heating. Recipients of citizen's benefit are also compulsorily insured in statutory health and nursing care insurance. One-off grants and additional needs can also be applied for, depending on your life situation. Special services are also available for the education and participation of children and young people up to the age of 25.

Legal concerns and political starting point

Wolfram and Jendricke are aware of the legal challenges, because a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court from October 2022 makes it clear that a humane subsistence level must be guaranteed. The Union and the SPD have already agreed to reform citizens' benefit, which should amount to a new "basic security for job seekers". But what this reform will actually look like remains to be seen.

Overall, the discussion about citizens' money shows how important it is to quickly and sustainably integrate migrants into the labor market. Wolfram and Jendricke's proposal, if implemented successfully, could benefit both the people affected and society as a whole. It remains exciting to see how political developments in this area will develop.