The German government coalition has reached an agreement on reforming the social benefits system for Ukrainian citizens who receive temporary protection in the country. The decision was made after lengthy discussions between representatives of the ministries of the interior and labor.
This is reported by Kyiv24
New Rules for Ukrainian Refugees
According to the agreements reached, Ukrainians arriving in Germany from April 1, 2025, will receive assistance under the asylum seekers’ benefits law. This means that new refugees will receive smaller, specialized payments instead of the current basic unemployment benefits.
Currently, there are 1.1 million Ukrainians living in Germany. They receive 563 euros per month as basic assistance (for single individuals). The state also covers housing costs, heating, and so on. In contrast, the Asylum Seekers’ Assistance Act provides 196 euros for personal needs and 245 euros for basic expenses (food, clothing) – a total of 441 euros per month.
Thus, the total amount of benefits for newly arrived Ukrainians will be 441 euros per month, which is less than the current level of support. The state will continue to cover living and utility costs.
Reasons for Changes and Migration Trends
The reason for implementing these changes is the low employment rate among Ukrainian refugees in Germany. It is expected that the reduction in social support will encourage more people to seek work and integrate into the local labor market.
The number of Ukrainian citizens obtaining refugee status in European Union countries continues to rise. In September, over 79,000 Ukrainians received status in EU countries, which is a 49% increase compared to the previous month. A significant increase in applications for temporary protection has been recorded in 24 European countries, including Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. At the same time, France has seen a slight decrease in the number of war migrants.