German Taxpayers Bled Dry: Nearly 60% of Welfare for Families With Kids Goes to Foreigners
12th November 2026
In 2025, foreign beneficiaries of social welfare in households with minor children received a total of €12.2 billion in benefits, representing 59.4 percent of the total €20.54 billion paid out in this budget group, according to data obtained by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from the federal government.
Ukrainian nationals made up the largest share among foreign recipients, accounting for €3.44 billion. They were followed by Syrians with €2.2 billion and Afghans with around €1 billion. Together, these three groups received roughly €6.7 billion, amounting to 55 percent of the benefits paid to foreigners in households with minor children.
These figures for welfare, also called citizens’ money, cover both single parents and couples with children. The money covers accommodation, heating, and social security contributions.