Benefit Transfers in Germany: Precise Dates for Bürgergeld and ALG at Year-End

Millions of residents in Germany relying on state social support are awaiting the final benefit transfers of 2025. The German social system operates on two distinct payment models: while Unemployment Benefit (Arbeitslosengeld – ALG) is paid retrospectively for the previous month, the Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) is issued in advance. Specifically, Bürgergeld for January 2026 must be credited to recipients' accounts by the end of December 2025 to ensure funds are available by January 1st. In contrast, the unemployment benefit for the claim month of December 2025 is scheduled for disbursement on the first working day of the following month. This is reported by NewsToday24 editorial team, citing finanz.

According to the official schedule, the ALG payment for December 2025 will be transferred on Friday, January 2, 2026. For the remainder of 2026, the following disbursement dates for Unemployment Benefit have been confirmed: January benefits on February 2, February on March 2, March on April 1, April on May 4, May on June 1, June on July 1, July on August 3, August on September 1, September on October 1, October on November 2, and November benefits on December 1, 2026. Additionally, 2026 brings changes to Care Allowance (Pflegegeld), where a total amount of up to €3,539 will become fully accessible for the first time. Staying informed about these dates is essential for households managing budgets that include Child Benefits (Kindergeld), Housing Allowances (Wohngeld), and pensions, as all state transfers are tied to specific banking business days.

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