1.5 Million People Depend on Bürgergeld for Over Five Years

In Germany, a significant number of citizens are reliant on Bürgergeld, a form of welfare support, for an extended period. Recent data from the Federal Employment Agency reveals that approximately 1.5 million individuals have been receiving these benefits for five years or more. Notably, the majority of these recipients are not classified as unemployed.

This information was highlighted in a special analysis requested by René Springer, a Bundestag member from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The report indicates that among those receiving assistance, around 674,000 are officially recognized as unemployed, while the remaining 831,000 receive support due to various other circumstances.

Eligible recipients of Bürgergeld include individuals who are capable of working but are currently employed in low-wage positions, as well as those who cannot work due to caregiving responsibilities, participation in training or educational programs, or parental leave.

Furthermore, the report reveals that around 750,000 individuals have been dependent on this support for ten years or more. These insights stem from data collected as of November of the previous year.

Springer criticized the current situation, asserting that the number of people relying on taxpayer-funded Bürgergeld, despite having the capacity to work, is unsustainable. He reiterated the AfD's call for implementing community service obligations for those who continue to receive benefits after six months without securing employment.

According to Springer, such measures would encourage those who have become complacent within the welfare system to seek employment actively, while also addressing the growing issue of undeclared work.

As it stands, approximately 5.5 million individuals are currently beneficiaries of Bürgergeld, with about 4 million classified as capable of work. The remaining 1.5 million recipients include non-working dependents, primarily children.

This ongoing discussion about welfare dependency and the potential for work obligations continues to gather attention as policymakers explore ways to effectively manage and reform the welfare system in Germany.