Citizens' money: How Nico and Janine enjoy their lives from the state!

Citizens' money: How Nico and Janine enjoy their lives from the state!

The citizens' allowance, which was decided in 2022 as a reform of basic security and came into force in early 2023, also has an impact on society. It replaces unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV) and aims to better support job seekers and the needy. Despite the positive intentions, there are some controversy and challenges. Critics, especially from the parties of the CDU/CSU, FDP and AfD, criticize the increasing costs that were 42.6 billion euros in 2023 - an increase of 16 percent compared to the previous year.

Nico and Janine, a couple from Plau am See, are citizens' money recipients and reject regular work. In the RTL-two social reportage "Armes Germany", which will be broadcast on May 6, 2025, you openly express your attitude to do nothing. Janine indicates: "I actually live for every day" and shows no interest in work. Nico also emphasizes that he is not looking for a job and appreciates the free time. Both find their Situation privileged and see no reason to give them up, which is a sharp contrast to the vast majority of citizens' money recipients who want to work again as soon as possible.

key points of the citizens' money reform

The citizens' money reform brings with it various changes. An important point is the end of the placement priority, which means that job center is no longer obliged to offer job seekers any reasonable employment. The focus is now on long -term employment and the qualification of job seekers. The Hartz reforms (Hartz I to IV), which were initiated under the Agenda 2010 by Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD), led to the merger of social and unemployment benefits in 2005.

The citizens' allowance provides for a flat rate that no longer depends on the last income. In addition, the protective assets were raised from 10,000 euros to 40,000 euros, with an allowance of 15,000 euros for each other person in the community of needs. Sanctions are still possible, whereby a three -stage sanction system is used for breaches of duty.

control sentences and social support

After the reform, the control rates rise: for single adults from 449 euros to 502 euros, while couples receive 451 euros each. Young people between the ages of 14 and 17 receive 420 euros, children between 6 and 13 years of age 348 euros and children under the age of 6 318 euros. These increases correspond to about 10 percent, which is in harmony with inflation.

To support long-term work recordings, new services were also introduced, including a further training allowance of 150 euros per month and a citizen benefit bonus of 75 euros per month for measures to integrate into the labor market. Despite the progress, the political dispute over the meaningfulness of the citizens' allowance remains. The Union parties are calling for a return to the placement of placement and even a cancellation of the citizens' allowance in the event of refusal to work.

A scientific analysis of the citizens' money reform by the Federal Agency is planned for the end of 2026. The success of the reform can already be measured: the number of integrated former beneficiaries rose by 8 percent compared to the previous year from January to August 2024.

In view of the critical voices and the real experiences of citizen benefit recipients such as Nico and Janine, it remains to be seen how the discussion about the citizens' benefit will develop and what further adjustments may be necessary.

For further information on the different aspects of the citizens' benefit, the articles from Der Westen , bpb and bpb .