The federal and state governments want to restrict benefits for asylum seekers who have been in Germany for more than a year and a half.
If an asylum procedure drags on for a long time, benefits from the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act should be paid for not 18, but 36 months, said Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) after discussions with the state prime ministers that night. “This will bring about a significant change.”
Reduction in state benefits
Asylum seekers are currently entitled to a roof over their heads as well as food, clothing, healthcare and consumer goods for one and a half years. Instead of such benefits in kind, vouchers or cash benefits are sometimes provided. After 18 months, the rates increase to approximately the same level as regular social assistance. This step will take place later in the future, which will effectively mean a reduction in state benefits.
Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) told Twitter successor X that the planned restriction could lead to savings of one billion euros. “This measure also reduces the attractiveness of the German welfare state.”
