Verified Germany rule and benefit updates published by Einfach Germany in 2026.
Germany's statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour in 2026 and is legally set to rise to €14.60 on 1 January 2027.
Updated 23 August 2026
Employees
Minijob workers
The Federal Cabinet has approved a BAföG reform draft that would raise the housing allowance from €380 to €440 from summer semester 2027 and increase the student basic-needs amount later. It is not yet effective law.
Published 23 August 2026
Planned for summer semester 2027; further changes from winter semester 2027/28
Students
School pupils
The Federal Cabinet has approved a draft Frühstartrente law under which the federal government would contribute €10 per month for children from age six until 18. It is not yet effective law.
Planned for 1 January 2027; first payments during 2027
Families
Children
The current Kindergeld amount is €259 per eligible child per month, effective from 1 January 2026.
Parents
The nationwide local and regional public-transport subscription costs €63 per month from January 2026.
Passengers
The 2026 contribution ceilings determine how much employment income is used to calculate statutory health, care, pension and unemployment contributions.
Employers
