Changes in Germany in 2026: Benefits, Taxes, Work, and Transportation
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In 2026, several rules changed in Germany that directly affect employees, families, benefit recipients, small businesses, and public transportation users. Some of these changes began as early as 2025, but the current amounts and conditions for 2026 are what matter most for practical decisions.
At a Glance: Key Figures
| Topic | What’s Important in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | 13.90 euros gross per hour |
| Minijob | income limit — 603 euros per month on average per year |
| Kindergeld | 259 euros per month per child |
| Bürgergeld | Standard benefit amounts (Regelbedarfe) have not increased compared to 2025 |
| Deutschlandticket | 63 euros per month |
| CO2 price on fuel and heating | range of 55–65 euros per metric ton of CO2 |
| Small business owners | 25,000 euros for the previous year and 100,000 euros for the current year |
| Standard letter via Deutsche Post | 0.95 euros |
Employment: Minimum Wage and Mini-Jobs
Starting in 2026, the statutory minimum wage is 13.90 euros gross per hour. This applies not only to full-time employment but also to Minijobs, hourly work, temporary contracts, and side jobs.
The limit for a Minijob has also increased: in 2026, it amounts to 603 euros per month on average over the year. If income regularly exceeds this limit, the job may no longer be considered a Minijob and may be reclassified under a different social security contribution regime.
In practice, this means:
- Check whether the hourly wage meets the minimum wage requirement;
- Recalculate the permitted number of hours for a Minijob;
- Keep an eye out for Sonderzahlungen, bonuses, and additional shifts;
- Keep track of your working hours and pay stubs, especially if you’re employed on an hourly basis.
Families: Kindergeld and Child Support
Kindergeld in 2026 amounts to 259 euros per month per child. For families who were already receiving Kindergeld, the increase is usually applied automatically.
Additional family payments and benefits depend on income, family composition, rent, the children’s ages, and the federal state. If your income is low, it’s worth checking separately whether you’re eligible for the Kinderzuschlag, Wohngeld, and assistance through the Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket.
Housing Allowance: What Has Changed Since 2025
Housing allowance (Wohngeld) was increased by an average of approximately 15%, or about 30 euros per month, starting in early 2025. In 2026, it is not the previous increase itself that matters, but rather the individual calculation: the amount depends on rent, income, the number of family members, and place of residence.
Wohngeld may be helpful for those who do not receive Bürgergeld but spend a significant portion of their income on housing. If you already receive Bürgergeld, housing costs are usually handled by the Jobcenter rather than the Wohngeldstelle.
Healthcare: ePA Has Become an Integral Part of the System
The electronic patient record, elektronische Patientenakte (ePA), has been introduced as an opt-out system for people with statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung): it is created unless the insured person objects. However, the use of the ePA remains voluntary for patients—access can be restricted, and individuals can object to its creation or continued use.
Starting in October 2025, medical facilities are required to use the ePA and fill it out with the legally mandated data generated during treatment, such as medical findings (Befunde) and doctor’s notes (Arztbriefe). Procedures may vary for private insurance and certain health insurance providers (Krankenkassen), so you should check the details with your insurance provider.
Small Businesses: Kleinunternehmer and Umsatzsteuer
New limits have been in effect since 2025 for the Kleinunternehmerregelung under § 19 UStG. Under normal circumstances, the rule applies if:
- Revenue for the previous calendar year did not exceed 25,000 euros;
- Revenue in the current calendar year does not exceed 100,000 euros;
- The entrepreneur did not voluntarily opt out of the Kleinunternehmerregelung.
If the €100,000 limit is exceeded in the current year, the consequences apply starting with the revenue that caused the limit to be exceeded. Therefore, it is important for small businesses to keep records based not on “approximate” figures, but on their current actual Umsatz.
Social Benefits: Bürgergeld in 2026
The standard rates for Bürgergeld and Sozialhilfe remained unchanged in 2026. The main Regelbedarfe are:
| Category | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single adult or single parent | 563 euros |
| Adult partner in a couple | 506 euros |
| Adult in a residential facility | 451 euros |
| Teenager, ages 14–17 | 471 euros |
| Child aged 6–13 | 390 euros |
| Child aged 0–5 | 357 euros |
Reasonable housing and heating costs, as well as additional needs in certain cases, may be added to these amounts. The final calculation always depends on the Bedarfsgemeinschaft, income, assets, and the Bescheid from the Jobcenter.
Transportation: Deutschlandticket
The Deutschlandticket costs 63 euros per month in 2026. It remains valid on regional and local public transportation throughout Germany, but does not cover regular trips on ICE, IC, EC, FlixTrain, or FlixBus.
Discounted options, the Jobticket, student passes, and the Sozialticket depend on the employer, university, federal state, or transportation authority (Verkehrsverbund). Therefore, while there is a standard price across Germany, the actual price for an individual may be lower.
Environment and Energy: CO2 Price
Gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and heating oil are subject to the national CO2 price. In 2025, it was 55 euros per metric ton of CO2, and in 2026, the range is 55–65 euros per metric ton.
For households, this is not a separate payment from the government, but a factor that may be reflected in the cost of fuel and heating. Final expenses are also influenced by the energy market, the contract with the supplier, the type of heating, and consumption.
Mail: Letters Take Longer to Arrive, and Standard Letters Are More Expensive
Since 2025, a standard letter sent via Deutsche Post has cost 0.95 euros. At the same time, delivery time requirements have changed: on average, at least 95% of letters must be delivered within three business days, and 99% within four business days.
This is not a guarantee for every individual letter. For urgent documents, it is best to choose an appropriate method of delivery, tracking, or in-person submission if the agency only accepts documents by a specific deadline.
What to Check Yourself
- For Employees: Hourly Wage, Working Time Account, Minijob Threshold, and Payroll.
- For families: Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Wohngeld, and potential school expenses.
- For benefit recipients: the new Bescheid, composition of the Bedarfsgemeinschaft, and income taken into account.
- For the self-employed: Umsatz for the previous and current year, invoices, and Kleinunternehmer status.
- For passengers: the price of the Deutschlandticket from your provider and available discounts.
- For patients: ePA settings, doctor access, and the option to file an objection (Widerspruch).
FAQ
Are the 2025 changes still relevant in 2026?
Yes, if the rule remains in effect. For example, the limits for small business owners (Kleinunternehmer), the ePA, new mailing deadlines, and some social benefits were introduced in 2025 but are still applicable in 2026.
Do I need to submit a new Kindergeld application due to the increase?
If Kindergeld has already been granted, the increase to 259 euros is usually applied automatically. A new application is required for new cases or if eligibility has not yet been established.
Can we use last year’s lists of changes as a guide?
This is for historical reference only. For decisions regarding taxes, benefits, employment, medical information, or transportation, you should check the current 2026 amounts and consult an official source specific to your situation.
