Germany Reduces Social Support for New Ukrainian Refugees

• Reduction of social benefits for new Ukrainian refugees starting from April 1, 2025
• Temporary support of 100 euros per month per person
• Approximately 1.25 million Ukrainian refugees are already in Germany

This is reported by RBC Ukraine, Ukrayinska Pravda.

The German government has developed a draft law that provides for a reduction in social benefits for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees, in accordance with the coalition agreement. Starting from April 1, 2025, Ukrainians who arrive in Germany will no longer receive Bürgergeld (money for citizens). Instead, they will receive support at the level of refugees.

This change will lead to a reduction in support to 100 euros (116 dollars) per month for each Ukrainian refugee. The draft law must be approved by the federal government and the upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, to take effect by the end of the year.

Debates regarding the level of support for Ukrainian refugees are ongoing in Germany for some time, as the country seeks to reduce spending in the social sector. The Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Söder, suggested excluding all Ukrainian refugees, not just new arrivals, from enhanced benefit programs. However, this proposal did not receive widespread support among his coalition partners.

As of July 2025, approximately 1.25 million Ukrainian refugees are living in Germany. According to government data, from April 1 to June 30, 2025, the country has already resettled nearly 21,000 people through Russian aggression.

Approximately 64.1% of Ukrainians registered with the Federal Employment Agency are unemployed, including job seekers and those who receive benefits for training. The German government has also announced plans to tighten the rules for receiving social assistance for the unemployed, which may also affect Ukrainian refugees.

Tags: Europe/Politics/Well-being