German Jobcenter chief urges Bürgergeld recipients to work as new basic security begins

Lutz Mania, managing director of the Jobcenter Berlin Mitte, explained that Germany’s Bürgergeld will be discontinued on 1 July 2026 and replaced by a new basic security (Grundsicherung). While the core principle of support and cooperation remains, the new system will place a stronger emphasis on employment. Mania stressed that recipients have both rights and duties, stating that “Jeder muss arbeiten, wenn er kann” (everyone must work if they can) and must actively cooperate with the Jobcenter. He described the change as largely procedural, noting that the cooperation between Jobcenters and claimants will continue, but the expectation to take up work when possible will be clearer.

The remarks were made in the video series “Ihr wollt wissen”, and reflect the policy announced by the CDU/CSU coalition to phase out the Bürgergeld. Mania’s message underlines that the new basic security will not fundamentally alter the assistance framework but will tighten the requirement for job‑seeking activity.