Germany reduces payments for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees: what is known

Starting in April 2025, Germany plans to update the rules for payments to refugees from Ukraine. Instead of civil assistance, they will receive smaller amounts, just like other asylum seekers. Find out who will be affected by the new rules and what amounts are provided

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

The German political parties CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party have reached a new coalition agreement that provides for changes in payments to Ukrainian refugees. This is reported by sueddeutsche.de.

According to the agreement, which has yet to be officially approved, from April 1, 2025, newly arrived Ukrainians will no longer be able to apply for Bürgergeld, the so-called civil aid.

💡Don't know how the new rules will affect your status?

Contact experienced migration lawyers to get detailed advice and protect your rights!

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Ukrainians in Germany will receive less: changes in social policy

Refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Germany after this date will receive smaller amounts, just like other asylum seekers. Instead of civil assistance, which currently provides € 563 per month for one person, they will receive payments under the law on benefits for asylum seekers.

It is also planned to introduce a nationwide means test for newcomers. This means that Ukrainians will have to prove their need for financial support.

Who keeps the old payments?

These innovations will not affect those Ukrainians who are already in Germany and receive Bürgergeld - they will continue to receive payments under the current scheme.

Reasons for the changes

The government explains these steps by the need to reduce social costs and encourage more Ukrainians to find employment, as almost half of them are currently registered as unemployed.

How much will they pay?

According to the updated rates for 2025:

Single persons - €441 instead of €460;

Spouses or residents of collective shelters - €397 instead of €413;

Young people under 25 - €353 instead of €368;

Adolescents aged 14-17 - €391 instead of €408;

Children 6-13 years old - €327 instead of €341;

Children under 6 years old - €299 instead of €312.

Changes in social benefits can create difficulties, but with professional legal support, you will always be one step ahead. Our experts will help you:

✅ Protect your social benefits and status

✅ Appeal against sanctions or denials of benefits

✅ Get detailed advice on changes in legislation

✅ Prepare all the necessary documents without any hassle

📩 Do not put off the issue for later - contact a lawyer and ensure peace of mind!

We remind you! For the first time, Germany approved the extradition of a Ukrainian who refused military service. Read about the circumstances of the case, the court's decision and its implications for future extradition proceedings in our previous article.

Photo: gettyimages

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.