Just under 5.6 million Hartz IV recipients will receive more money from January next year. The monthly livelihoods increase by eight euros to 432 euros for adults who live alone. The Cabinet approved a corresponding ordinance by Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).
This corresponds to an increase of almost 1.9 percent. For adults who live with partners, the so-called rule rate increases by seven euros to 389 euros. Depending on their age, children will receive between 250 and 328 euros per month from 1 January.
The annual Hartz IV increase costs around 450 million euros, according to the draft regulation. Of this amount, 430 million are allocated to the federal government and 20 million to the municipalities. The additional expenditure is already taken into account in the draft budget for 2020.
The increase in the standard rates is based on price and wage developments. The Ministry based on a price increase of 1.3 percent and a net wage increase of 3.22 percent. According to the adjustment formula, the Hartz IV increase is a percentage of 1.88 percent.
