Germany will review the basic unemployment benefits received by Ukrainian refugees

Germany plans to review Bürgergeld payments to Ukrainian refugees — but a full cancellation is unlikely for now.

This was reported by Bild.

Experts suggest that the new welfare reform might amount to little more than a formality.

According to agreements between the election-winning Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its potential coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), it is theoretically possible to completely cut off benefits if a recipient refuses a job offer. However, experts point out that this option has existed for a long time.

“Formally, this was already possible last year, but in practice, none of my colleagues encountered such cases. Almost all attempts at sanctions are appealed, and payments continue,” a job center employee told the outlet.

Bürgergeld is Germany’s basic social support for job seekers. It is provided to employable residents of Germany and foreigners who are unable to secure the minimum financial livelihood for themselves and their families. Minors living with Bürgergeld-receiving parents also receive the benefit.

It’s worth noting that, according to research from the Institute for Employment Research, over half of the one million Ukrainian refugees in Germany are considering staying in the country permanently.