Overview
- From January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage rises to €13.90 per hour and the minijob monthly cap moves from €556 to €603.
- Earnings above €603.01 fall into the midijob transition zone up to €2,000, triggering social-insurance contributions alongside accrual of entitlements.
- Bürgergeld standard rates remain at 2025 levels—single adults continue to receive €563 per month—and the existing income-disregard thresholds stay in place.
- A full minijob at €603 yields roughly €14 more after the Bürgergeld calculation, with the Federal Employment Agency advising prompt Jobcenter notification of any income changes to avoid repayments.
- Officials report that more than six million workers benefit from the wage increase, with additional 2026 changes reported for retirees and high earners including an ‘Aktivrente’ and a higher statutory insurance earnings threshold.