Federal Building Minister Verena Hubertz announced cuts that will affect all recipients. One third of households could lose eligibility.
Federal Building Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) told the Rheinische Post that the planned cuts to housing benefits will affect all current recipients. One third of housing benefit households are set to lose eligibility entirely.
Hubertz stressed that existing approvals will not be changed. Housing benefits are typically granted for twelve months, in some cases for 24 months. A new application is then required.
The federal government aims to save a total of two billion euros, one billion each from the federal level and the states. Hubertz called the step painful as a Social Democrat and cited the economic situation as the reason.
The Left party criticized the plan. Party leader Ines Schwerdtner accused the Merz government of cutting benefits for people with low incomes.
