Arbeitslosengeld II, also known as Hartz IV, is a basic security benefit for job seekers provided by the Jobcenter.
Table of contents
Requirements to receive:
- Be able-bodied
- Be in financial trouble
- Lack of living wage opportunities
ALG 2 size in 2022
Single adult – 449 €
Couples, family (each) – 404 €
Children under 5 years old – 285 €
Children from 6 to 13 years old – 311 €
Children from 14 to 17 years old – 376 €
Unemployed children living with parents 18 to 25 years old – 360 €
The amount of payments for AsylbLG (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz)
in accordance with § 24 of the Act on the residence of foreign citizens (AufenthG)
Help for schoolchildren
In addition, assistance is provided to schoolchildren to help purchase everything necessary for the school.
In the first half of the academic year, one-time – 104 €
In the second half of the academic year, one-time – 52 €
Link to decree
Accommodation
In addition to ALG 2, which aims to cover the minimum necessary needs of a person, the recipient of the service is entitled to help pay for housing, in accordance with the rules in this locality.
Rent and heating paid.
Electricity, internet, telephone are paid by yourself. Except when using electric water heaters.
Each city has its own rules. Up-to-date information must be sought on the city's website or Jobcenter.
The rules include:
- footage, depending on the number of people (standard 45 m2 per 1 person and + 15m2 for each next person)
- cold rental – Kaltmiete
- Utilities Nebenkosten (usually no heating)
- Heating – Heizung
- Warmmiete (Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten = Warmmiete)
You should find out the rules of residence in the Jobcenter or the Social Service of your city. Sometimes they can be found on the Internet by searching: KDU “city name”but they are not always relevant.
IMPORTANT: If you get baby money (child benefit), then they will be deducted from your social allowance.
Example
Family: 2 adults and 1 child 8 years old live in an apartment costing 650 € (according to social norms).
They are entitled to the following assistance:
Adults: 2*404 €=808 €
Child: 311 €
Rent: 650 €
Total: 1769 € per month
But if the family gets baby money in the amount of 219 € (norm for 1 and 2 children), then social assistance will be paid to her:
1769 – 219 = 1550 €
In any case, the family will receive a total of 1769 €, only from two different sources.
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