Coronavirus: Hartz IV recipients have this disadvantage - conceivable consequences

The fear of the coronavirus increases the more people are infected. Many therefore create an emergency supply - but not everyone has this privilege.

• In the supermarkets, many shelves have been cleared due to the corona virus *.
• In preparation for a quarantine , countless people create an emergency supply .
• You are following the government's advice - but not everyone can follow this recommendation.

Update of April 1, 2020 : In a series of "Hart but Fair", Labor Minister Hubertus Heil mentioned that he would think about temporary bonuses for Hartz IV recipients so that they too receive support in times of the corona virus. However, he could not promise such a measure.

Original message from March 4, 2020

If you are infected with the corona virus and are not in a hospital, you must go to quarantine at home . In the meantime, a mere suspicion is enough to be asked not to leave your home. This exit ban can last for several days - and, conversely, means that there must be enough food and drink in the house.

Government recommends that you stock up on emergency supplies

The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) even recommends that an emergency supply be created - regardless of the crises that could arise. For example, 14 liters of liquids should be available to one person every week. The BBK also recommends buying long-lasting food *. The Focus writes that there should be around 14.5 kilos per person. In total, this would cost a four-person household around 300 euros .

Note : Despite the ongoing Corona crisis, supermarkets are assuring that there will be no replenishment problems. So there is no reason to buy hamsters, so you should refrain from doing so.

Read also : Corona virus - stock market crash, oil prices plummet - is our money now too?

Not all Hartz IV recipients can afford an emergency supply

As a rule, regular workers should be able to gradually build up this stock. On the other hand, low earners , pensioners * and Hartz IV recipients have a harder time . The latter is particularly hard hit because they have to cover the costs without a government subsidy using their standard rate of 150.60 euros per month. The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed this in a reply letter, in which it is pointed out that everyone, regardless of their income , would have to finance the food independently.

Appropriate : Coronavirus - banks close branches - Is it still possible to withdraw cash?

After a judgment of May 31, 2017, additional benefits for Hartz IV recipients * to purchase an emergency reserve were also excluded. The court relied, among other things, on the fact that the emergency information provided by the federal government is only a non-binding recommendation , which occurs in addition to state preventive measures.

Learn more : Coronavirus - That is why the state could soon pay out money for shopping.

If Hartz IV recipients are affected by quarantine measures, this could have appalling consequences. As the Express reports, the question of food in home quarantine is still not fully regulated. Therefore, many should have no other choice than to ask friends or family members to shop for them. Of course, it is important not to expose healthy people to the risk of infection.

Also interesting : Corona virus - is there money back if events are canceled?

Video: Judgment - bottle collecting is not counted towards Hartz IV

Find out more : Coronavirus is to blame - Mother lost hundreds of euros: "It was catastrophic".

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* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.