Germany's Grundsicherungsgeld maintains disability benefit rules for 2026

Following the transition from Bürgergeld to Grundsicherungsgeld in July 2026, regulations regarding additional needs (Mehrbedarf) for people with disabilities remain unchanged under § 21 SGB II. A disability certificate or a high degree of disability does not grant an automatic increase in benefits.

To qualify for an additional 35 percent of the standard rate, recipients must be undergoing specific ongoing rehabilitation or participation services (Teilhabeleistungen) related to work integration or job placement. For a single person with a standard rate of 563 euros, this results in an additional 197.05 euros, totaling 760.05 euros per month.

Certain services are excluded from this additional need, such as vocational preparation, basic training required due to disability, or professional vocational training. The Federal Employment Agency notes that these excluded categories often have access to alternative financial support, such as BAföG or vocational training assistance.