For claimants and advisers Indication

Does work pay? Basic income support 2026 compared

Since 1 July 2026 the Bürgergeld has been called Grundsicherungsgeld. The calculator compares household income without work with income with a job: net pay plus child benefit plus top-up basic income support or Wohngeld.

Basic income support or work?Values 2026

Result

Household income with a job–

Household income without a job–

Extra from working per month–

Supplementary benefit with a job–

Item	Rate	Amount

Explanation

Without a job, basic income support together with child benefit covers the needs from standard rates, additional needs and housing and heating costs. With a job, net pay (income tax under the 2026 PAP) minus the allowances counts as income; the allowance is what work adds. If Wohngeld together with income covers the need, we use Wohngeld instead of basic income support.

Note: an indication, not legal or tax advice

This calculation is based on the general statutory rules and the values published for 2026. It is not legal, tax or payroll advice. Collective agreements, employment contracts and works agreements may provide more favourable rules.

Sources and values used

Item	Value	Source
Standard needs single / partner	€563 / €506	BMAS – Leistungen und Bedarfe in der Grundsicherung (Regelbedarfe 2026 unverändert) (in German)
Standard needs children 0–5 / 6–13 / 14–17	€357 / €390 / €471	BMAS – Leistungen und Bedarfe in der Grundsicherung (Regelbedarfe 2026 unverändert) (in German)
Additional needs single parents	36% or 12% per child, at most 60%	SGB II, § 21 (Mehrbedarfe) (in German)
Earnings allowance	€100 + 20% (€100–€520) + 30% (€520–€1,000) + 10% up to €1,200 (€1,500 with a child)	SGB II, § 11b (Absetzbeträge, Erwerbstätigenfreibetrag) (in German)
Child benefit	€259 per child, counted as income	EStG, § 66 (Höhe des Kindergeldes) (in German)
Precedence of other benefits	Wohngeld if it ends the need for support	SGB II, § 12a (vorrangige Leistungen) (in German)
Further source		SGB II, § 20 (Regelbedarf) (in German)
Further source		SGB II, § 22 (Unterkunft und Heizung) (in German)

Sources checked on 15 October 2026.