Citizens’ allowance & Co.: Social benefits should be reformed

From September, reform proposals are to be made for social benefits such as citizens’ allowance, housing benefit and child surcharge. Federal Minister Bärbel BAS (SPD) used a welfare state commission. The committee is to submit results by the end of 2025 in accordance with the coalition agreement, as the Ministry of Social Affairs announced. The goals are therefore a modern and de -bureaucratized welfare state under the preservation of social protection levels and efficient and civil -friendly social administration.

Merging of social benefits

“The merger of social benefits, acceleration of administrative processes and digitization are further tasks.” The “expanded government commission” with representatives of the federal government, the states and municipalities should also include expertise, among other things, the social partner, the social and business associations and the Federal Audit Office. From the beginning of 2026, the proposals are to be implemented by the professionally responsible departments. Test orders are also provided.

Minister BAS: More efficiency necessary

Bas emphasized the strength of the welfare state. “However, we have to make it to make the welfare state and the local social administration more citizen -friendly, more effective and efficient,” she said. At the same time, the social level of protection must be preserved. The Commission had included Schwarz-Rot against the background of reports on false incentives for social benefits. At the same time, the costs of many social and insurance benefits financed by tax and contributions continue to increase.