Germany plans to reduce benefits for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees – DW

Germany plans to reduce welfare payments to Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in recent months. The amount will be decreased from €563 (the same as unemployed German citizens receive) to €441, which is the minimum subsistence level in Germany for asylum seekers from around the world.

This was reported by Deutsche Welle.

The reduced payment will apply to Ukrainians who arrive in Germany after April 1, 2025.

Although the legislative changes have not yet been officially passed, they were previously announced by the parties of the newly formed governing coalition — CDU/CSU and SPD. Implementation will require decisions from all levels of government — federal, regional, and local.

It is expected that this transition will take several months, meaning that those arriving after April 1 may still receive a few payments under the old system.

At the same time, legal experts believe that recipients will not be required to repay any overpaid amounts.

Recently, it was also reported that starting in October, Ukrainian refugees working in the Netherlands will be required to pay higher fees for staying in government shelters.

This comes amid a tightening of migration policies across Europe, with political leaders from across the spectrum — from right-wing to left-wing — calling for tougher measures.