The unemployment benefit Arbeitslosengeld II, also known as Hartz IV, is a basic social security benefit for jobseekers that is provided by the job centre.
Contents
Requirements for obtaining:
- To be fit for work
- To be in a tight financial spot
- Not to have the means for a subsistence minimum
The amount of ALG 2 in 2022
Single adult — €449
Couples, family (each) — €404
Children under 5 years old – €285
Children aged 6 to 13 — €311
Children aged 14 to 17 — €376
Non-working children living with their parents from 18 to 25 years old — €360
The amount of payments for AsylbLGAsylum Seekers' Benefits Act
in accordance with Section 24 of the Residence Act (Residence Act)
Help for schoolchildren
In addition, assistance is provided to schoolchildren to help them acquire everything necessary for school.
In the first half of the academic year, as a one-off payment — €104
In the second half of the academic year, as a one-off payment — €52
Link to decree
Accommodation
In addition to the ALG 2 benefit, the purpose of which is to cover a person's minimum necessary needs, the recipient of the service is entitled to receive assistance with housing costs, in accordance with the regulations in the given locality.
Rent and heating are paid.
Electricity, internet and telephone are paid for independently, except in cases where electric boilers are used to heat water.
Every city has its own individual rules. Up-to-date information must be sought on the city's website or the Jobcenter.
Standards include:
- floor area, depending on the number of people (standardly 45 m² for 1 person and +15 m² for each additional person)
- cold rent
- Utility bills Nebenkosten (usually excluding heating)
- Heating — Heizung
- inclusive rent (base rent + service charges = inclusive rent)
Accommodation guidelines should be checked with your local Jobcenter or Social Services department. Sometimes they can be found online by searching: KDU «City Name», but they are not always up to date.
IMPORTANTIf you are receiving child benefitChild benefit), then they will be deducted from your social benefit.
Example
Family: 2 adults and 1 child aged 8 live in an apartment costing €650 (in accordance with social standards).
They are entitled to the following assistance:
Adults: 2*404 €=808 €
Child: €311
Rent: €650
Total£1,769 a month
But if the family receives child benefit amounting to €219 (the standard rate for the 1st and 2nd child), social assistance will be paid to her:
1769 — 219 = 1550 €
In any case, the family will receive a total sum of €1,769, just from two different sources.
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