Nation consistently upholds its role as a dependable ally for school-based social work
The German Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration has provided clarity on the funding for School Social Work, assuring that the amounts will remain consistent for the school years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. This announcement was made in a letter addressed to Cities, Municipalities, County Council, and the Youth and Social Welfare Association.
Social Minister Manne Lucha emphasized that municipalities can continue to rely on the current funding amounts, and no cuts are planned for School Social Work. In fact, the budget for School Social Work has nearly tripled since 2012, with the state government annually providing nearly 45 million euros for School Social Work at public schools.
Around 80 percent of public schools currently benefit from this state funding, and the ministry has made an express provision for existing funded positions for the school year 2026/27. School carriers will have a maximum degree of flexibility in shaping their budgets.
In addition to maintaining current funding, some cities and regions are increasing state funding for school social work in the 2026/2027 school year. Aichtal is expanding school social work by increasing staffing by 45 percentage points, while Neuenhaus is increasing coverage by 30 percentage points to reach 50%. Bonn is also strengthening school social work as part of broader school support measures for that school year.
Planning on a municipal level for the school year 2026/27 is already possible without any problems. The quota for School Social Work funding is not yet fully exhausted, allowing for more positions at other schools to be funded. Unspent funds for School Social Work will be distributed to further funding recipients.
Dialogue with actors in the field is planned after the summer holidays to discuss the distribution of these unspent funds. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, and Integration can be contacted via their Press Office or Citizen's Representative for further information.
All fully submitted applications for School Social Work funding have been approved so far, and the ministry encourages municipalities to continue submitting their applications for the upcoming school year. This commitment to School Social Work funding demonstrates the government's dedication to supporting the mental health and well-being of students across Germany.
