Food Poverty and Coping Behaviour under Minimum Income Schemes in Germany

Background

In theory, the level of long-term unemployment benefits (“Bürgergeld”) constitutes the existential minimum in Germany, which is meant to cover both physical survival as well as “a minimum of participation in social, cultural and political life” (BVerfG, 2019). However, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of benefit levels, particularly in the context of recent inflation. There is little evidence on how benefit recipients cope with the level of benefits - especially in terms of food poverty and tradeoffs - and to what extent the claim to an existential minimum is actually fulfilled.

Methods

We analyze a recent survey among basic income support recipients via an online-access-survey (n = 1.014) in Germany which uses self-reporting of subjective food poverty indicators as well as items on social and cultural inclusion. Only 9 percent of respondents agree that a healthy diet is possible with the current benefit levels, 35 percent report reducing food consumption to afford other essential expenses and 55 percent report that they can buy sufficient food for their household.

Findings

Regression analyses show that perceived financial burden – measured as whether respondents experience their financial situation under Bürgergeld as psychologically burdensome – is the strongest predictor of food insufficiency and tradeoffs. Food insufficiency is further associated with a longer duration of receiving Bürgergeld. Overall, the results point towards serious food poverty on current benefit levels.

Interpretation

The findings suggest that current Bürgergeld levels may fall short of securing an adequate existential minimum for many recipients, particularly regarding sufficient and healthy nutrition. Food insufficiency and financial trade-offs appear closely linked to psychological burden, indicating that material hardship may also undermine mental well-being. Longer-term recipients seem especially vulnerable, pointing to cumulative disadvantages over time.

Key messages

• Many Bürgergeld recipients report food insufficiency and financial trade-offs, suggesting current benefit levels may not fully secure an adequate existential minimum.

• Food insufficiency is strongly associated with psychological burden and longer benefit duration, indicating cumulative material and mental strain among recipients.