These are so-called “Aufstocker”—people who, despite having jobs, are unable to support themselves solely through their earnings and therefore receive additional aid in the form of what’s known as the citizen’s benefit (Bürgergeld).
According to Tagesschau, since the introduction of the statutory minimum wage in Germany in 2015, the number of employed recipients of social benefits had been steadily decreasing.
The reform was aimed at reducing poverty among the working population and encouraging the unemployed to take up jobs. For several years, statistical data confirmed the effectiveness of this approach.
However, the latest data from the Federal Employment Agency shows that this positive trend has come to a halt. For the first time in nearly a decade, the number of Aufstocker has increased. Experts point to several possible causes for this development—including rising living costs, inflation, and a growing number of people employed part-time or in precarious forms of employment.
Unemployment in Germany
According to the latest figures, the unemployment rate in May 2025 stood at 6.3%, with the number of people out of work nearing 3 million. This is a troubling signal for Europe’s largest economy, which is grappling with a prolonged period of stagnation.
Just a few months ago, in January, unemployment had reached its highest level in a decade. Although seasonal factors—such as better weather—typically lead to a springtime drop in unemployment, the improvement in 2025 was significantly weaker than expected.
Compared to the same months in the previous year, the number of unemployed increased by approximately 180,000–200,000, indicating a deteriorating situation in the labor market.
The rise in unemployment is primarily driven by economic difficulties. Germany is now experiencing its second consecutive year of very low economic growth, with GDP growth in 2025 projected at only 0.1%–0.3%.
A global trade slowdown—especially export-related challenges stemming from trade tensions with the United States and China—is hampering industrial activity and negatively affecting employment. The manufacturing, logistics, and construction sectors are particularly affected.
Social organizations are calling for a renewed adjustment of the statutory minimum wage and more comprehensive support for low-income earners. At the same time, the government has announced a review of current labor market policies and the social benefit system.
The rise in the number of Aufstocker is a warning sign that the issue of the “working poor” is once again gaining ground in German society.