The law will be passed in the Bundestag on Thursday morning. This schedule was known. This would resolve a central conflict in the coalition.

According to information from “Stern”, the parliamentary process was recently only concerned with detailed questions: For example, the job centers should be given more leeway when it comes to reintegration into work than planned in the cabinet draft. In cases of hardship, the new maximum rent levels should be handled a little more loosely, at least if there are children in the household.

Citizens’ money reform: Significantly faster sanctions planned

However, the situation will be tightened up if appointments are missed: in the future, job centers will even be able to require an official medical certificate, not just a health certificate from the family doctor. Employers should also now be more heavily prosecuted for abuse of social benefits. The last points of contention were negotiated between Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch.

In principle, significantly faster sanctions are planned and a widespread return to mediation priority is in the works. After the third missed appointment, payments will be canceled completely, including money for accommodation. Before the benefits are completely stopped, those affected will be given the opportunity to be heard in person. The rules on apartment size and rents are becoming stricter.

According to reports, the new basic security will be approved by the Federal Council in March. The new law is scheduled to come into force from July 1, 2026.