afp | Ukrainians who fled to Germany from the Russian war of aggression have in this country Advantages compared to refugees from other countries. One point is that they were already entitled to citizen’s benefit from June 2022 – instead of the lower rates of the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act. But that should now change: The Bundestag will debate a corresponding bill from the federal government for the first time on Thursday. The changes affect Ukrainians who entered the country after March 31, 2025.
What is the reason for the different treatment depending on origin?
Refugees from Ukraine are not viewed as asylum seekers, but as refugees on the basis of the so-called EU mass influx directive. This goes back to the experiences of the wars in the Balkans, but was first activated shortly after the Russian attack on Ukraine on March 3, 2022. Individual asylum procedures are therefore not necessary, and there is also an immediate right to work.
What will be changed now?
There will be no fundamental changes to the special status of refugees from Ukraine. However, everyone who entered or will enter after March 31, 2025 should are only entitled to support in accordance with the provisions of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act – as was the case in the short period between the Russian attack on February 24th and March 31st, 2022.
A transitional solution applies to people from Ukraine who entered the country after March 31, 2025 and are already receiving citizen’s benefit: after the new law comes into force, they can continue to receive citizen’s benefit for a maximum of three months.
What consequences does this have for those affected?
Due to the so-called change of legal system, state support payments are lower. Payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are around 20 percent less than citizens’ benefit. The exact amount depends on individual requirements; since the turn of the year, single people have a basic requirement of 455 euros. The standard rate for citizens’ benefit is 563 euros, although the benefits are not exactly comparable. The job center is no longer responsible, but the social welfare office.
What is changing for healthcare?
Instead of regular membership in a health insurance company, the affected Ukrainian refugees are entitled to basic medical care, which is financed through tax revenue. This reduces the burden on health insurance companies. The right to full health care only exists (as for other refugees) after three years of legal residence in Germany or when those affected are able to support themselves and pay taxes and social security contributions.
What consequences does the new regulation have for those affected?
The pressure on the affected refugees to take up work is increasing. Beneficiaries who are able to work but are not gainfully employed are obliged to try to find gainful employment. However, the previous support from the job centers will no longer apply, even if you are still entitled to advice from the employment agencies.
Will the state save money through the new regulations?
Not immediately. For the current year, reduced spending for the federal government on citizens’ money of 680 million euros and for the municipalities of 50 million euros are expected. In 2027, the federal government should save 300 million euros and the municipalities 20 million euros. There are also other, smaller savings, for example in basic security in old age.
However, payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act will likely result in additional costs of 862 million euros for states and municipalities in 2026 and 394 million euros in 2027. One reason for this is a significantly higher administrative burden, especially for municipalities. The federal government wants to pay the states a flat-rate relief for the additional costs.