Citizen's Allowance Calculator
Calculate your entitlement to citizen's allowance 2026. With standard rate, additional needs and housing costs. Free online, no registration required.
Household community
Housing costs
Income
Total standard needs
€563.00
Applicant: €563.00 (Level 1)
Housing costs
€580.00
Warm rent: €500.00
Heating: €80.00
Total needs
€1,143.00
Estimated citizen's benefit
€1,143.00
per month
This calculation is for guidance only. The actual amount of citizen's benefit may differ, as additional needs, special needs and individual adequacy limits for housing costs are not taken into account. Standard rates as of 2026/2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit)?
The standard rates for 2026 are 563 euros for single adults, 506 euros for couples per person, and 357-471 euros for children depending on age. Housing and heating costs are covered separately if appropriate.
Who is entitled to Bürgergeld?
Bürgergeld is available to employable persons aged 15-67 who cannot cover their living costs from income or assets. A waiting period of 6 months from the previous unemployment benefit claim applies.
Are 2026 standard rates reflected?
Yes — Bürgergeld, child benefit (€255/child), Wohngeld and other social benefits are all set to 2026 rates. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and German social code (SGB).
Guide
Quick Answer
The citizens' benefit calculator determines your entitlement to Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV). It computes the standard needs, additional needs and housing costs minus countable income.
What is the Citizen's Allowance Calculator?
The citizens' benefit calculator determines your entitlement to Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV). It computes the standard needs, additional needs and housing costs minus countable income.
How does the Citizen's Allowance Calculator work?
Enter the household composition and income situation. The calculator adds the standard rates for all persons and any additional needs, adds reasonable housing costs and deducts countable income (with allowances).
Key Data and Facts
Standard rates 2026: Level 1 (single): 563 euros. Level 2 (partner): 506 euros. Children 0-5: 357 euros, 6-13: 390 euros, 14-17: 471 euros. Employment income allowance: 100 euros basic deduction.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate your Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit) entitlement step by step: 1. Define the benefit unit (Bedarfsgemeinschaft): Who lives in your household? Count your partner and minor children. 2. Add up the standard needs (2026): Single person (level 1): 563 EUR. Partner in the benefit unit (level 2): 506 EUR each. Children aged 0-5: 357 EUR. Children aged 6-13: 390 EUR. Children aged 14-17: 471 EUR. Young adults aged 18-24 in the household (level 3): 451 EUR. 3. Check additional needs: Single parents (12-60 % depending on the number of children), pregnant women (17 % from the 13th week), costly diets (in case of illness). 4. Cost of accommodation (KdU): Actual rent + heating costs, provided they are reasonable. Each municipality sets the appropriateness limits. 5. Count income: The following are deducted from gross income: a 100 EUR basic allowance, 20 % on the portion between 100-520 EUR, 30 % on the portion between 520-1,000 EUR (up to 1,500 EUR if you have a child). 6. Bürgergeld = total need - countable income. Example: A single mother with a child (8 years old), warm rent of 550 EUR, a mini-job paying 450 EUR. Standard need: 563 + 390 = 953 EUR. Single-parent additional need (36 %): 202.68 EUR. KdU: 550 EUR. Total need: 1,705.68 EUR. Countable income: 450 - 100 (basic allowance) - 70 (20 % of 350) = 280 EUR. Bürgergeld: 1,705.68 - 280 = 1,425.68 EUR.
Calculation Example
Alleinerziehend, 1 Kind (8 J.), Miete 550 EUR, mini-job (Minijob) 450 EUR. Regelbedarf: 563 + 390 = 953 EUR. Mehrbedarf AE (36 %): 202,68 EUR. KdU: 550 EUR. Bedarf total: 1.705,68 EUR. Anrechnung: 450 - 100 - 70 = 280 EUR. citizens allowance (Bürgergeld): 1.425,68 EUR/month.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
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