The state has reduced benefits to Hartz IV beneficiaries by about 174 million euros last year. This emerges from the response of the Federal Government to a question from the left-wing leader Katja Kipping.
For example, if unemployed people do not report to the job center, do not accept jobs or apply too seldom, they may be deprived of money. It was only in November that the Federal Constitutional Court decided that this sanction system must be revised.
The judges consider, among other things, cuts of a maximum of 30 percent as justifiable. So far, Hartz IV could be reduced by 60 percent of the rule rate or even completely canceled. The total of the cuts last year remained at the level of previous years - in 2016 it was 175 million euros, in 2017 it was 178 million euros.
"For the people affected, sanctions often mean a lack of survival," says Kipping. On the other hand, for the federal government, in terms of the budget, it is not enough money. Considering the costs, among other things, for personnel and legal proceedings, sanctions are also economically nonsensical.
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