Citizen's Allowance Calculator Germany
Estimate your citizen's benefit in Germany (Grundsicherungsgeld since July 2026) from standard rates for you, partner and children, rent, heating and earnings.
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.
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?
The benefit is available to employable persons from age 15 up to the statutory retirement age who cannot cover their living costs from income or assets. Since 1 July 2026 it is called Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld).
How much can I earn on top of Bürgergeld?
Bürgergeld (called Grundsicherungsgeld since 1 July 2026) uses tiered allowances for earned income: the first 100 euros are completely exempt. Of income between 100 and 520 euros, 20% remains exempt; between 520 and 1,000 euros, 30%; and between 1,000 and 1,200 euros (1,500 euros with a child), 10%. Anything above that is counted in full. Example: of a 603-euro mini-job, 208.90 euros remain exempt and 394.10 euros are counted against your benefit.
Guide
What is the Citizen's Allowance Calculator Germany?
The citizens' benefit calculator determines your entitlement to Grundsicherungsgeld (called Bürgergeld until 30 June 2026, formerly Hartz IV). It computes the standard needs, additional needs and housing costs minus countable income.
How does the Citizen's Allowance Calculator Germany 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. Since 1 July 2026 the benefit is called Grundsicherungsgeld; rates and allowances are unchanged.
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 and 10 % on the portion between 1,000-1,200 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 (12 %, one child aged 7 or over): 67.56 EUR. KdU: 550 EUR. Total need: 1,570.56 EUR. Countable income: 450 - 100 (basic allowance) - 70 (20 % of 350) = 280 EUR. Grundsicherungsgeld: 1,570.56 - 280 = 1,290.56 EUR. (The 36 % additional need applies with one child under 7 or two to three children under 16.)
Calculation Example
Single parent, 1 child (8 years), rent 550 EUR, mini-job 450 EUR. Standard needs: 563 + 390 = 953 EUR. Single-parent additional need (12 %): 67.56 EUR. Housing: 550 EUR. Total need: 1,570.56 EUR. Countable income: 450 - 100 - 70 = 280 EUR. Grundsicherungsgeld: 1,290.56 EUR/month.
Sources
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.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Social Benefits
Related Calculators
Unemployment Benefit Calculator Germany
Calculate German unemployment benefit (ALG I) for 2026 from gross pay, tax class, children and age: daily and monthly amount, benefit duration and total claim.
Housing Allowance Calculator Germany
Check your German housing benefit (Wohngeld) for 2026 under § 19 WoGG: household size, rent level, gross income and rent give the monthly and yearly amount.
Child Benefit Calculator Germany
Child benefit (Kindergeld) in Germany is 259 € per child per month in 2026. Enter the number of children to see the monthly, yearly and per-child amounts.
BAföG Calculator Germany
Estimate German student BAföG for 2026 from housing, insurance, parents' income, siblings, own income and assets: monthly amount, grant and loan share.