Citizens' money instead of Hartz IV - these are the differences

Hartz IV is to be replaced by the so-called Bürgergeld.

The SPD, Greens and FDP have recorded this in their exploratory paper.

But what's the difference?

Berlin - in future it should be called Bürgergeld.

The SPD *, Greens * and FDP * had agreed in the exploratory talks that the previous Hartz IV basic security should be replaced by a citizen's benefit *.

In particular, the SPD and FDP are said to have campaigned for this change.

But clear tones were also to be announced in advance from the Green Youth.

"We expect a clear departure from the Hartz IV system from the coalition negotiations," said Sarah-Lee Heinrich, federal spokeswoman for the green youth organization, to the German Press Agency (dpa).

Said and done.

But what exactly is this citizen money supposed to be?

And where is the difference to Hartz IV *?

From Hartz IV to Bürgergeld: What the traffic light is planning

Hartz IV should offer everyone in Germany the chance to lead a dignified life.

However, for years there have been great doubts from many sides in politics and business as to whether 446 euros per month (for single people) are sufficient for this.

In an interview with taz, Heinrich had asked for a monthly standard rate of 600 to 650 euros - as citizens' money.

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Citizens' money is to replace Hartz IV - the negotiators of the SPD, FDP and Greens agreed on this during the explorations for a traffic light coalition.

© Kay Nietfeld / dpa / assembly

Since the exploratory talks on October 15, it has been clear: The traffic light promises citizens' money instead of Hartz IV. This should offer "respect and citizen friendliness", according to the SPD. The three parties, i.e. the SPD, Greens and FDP, have summarized the citizens 'money as follows: “The citizens' money should respect the dignity of the individual, enable them to participate in society and be digitally and easily accessible. It aims to focus on helping people return to the labor market. During the Corona crisis, there were generous regulations on saving assets and checking the size of the apartment. [...] We adhere to our duty to cooperate and check how we can reduce bureaucracy here. We want to improve the opportunities for additional income, with the aim of increasing incentives for gainful employment. ”But what does that mean in concrete terms?

Difference between Hartz IV and Bürgergeld - better additional income and sanctions

The result paper on citizen benefits states, among other things, that it should “focus on helping people return to the labor market”.

Better opportunities for additional income are promised.

And it is precisely at this point that experts see the decisive difference to unemployment benefit II. Because it is often the case that it is hardly worthwhile for social welfare recipients to take on an extra job, as reported by br.de, among others.

Because: With additional earnings, little or nothing is left over.

That should change with the citizens' money. Lower taxation is intended to provide stronger incentives for gainful employment. A part-time job should also be worthwhile again. In addition, the higher rents should also be taken into account when calculating the citizen's allowance. So far, however, nothing is known about the exact amount of the citizens' allowance.

However, the citizens' money will not be able to wipe away another, decisive point of criticism of Hartz IV - as of now.

So far, Hartz IV recipients have received less money from the state if they do not seek work.

Although this concept is very controversial, it will probably continue to exist with citizen money as well.

“Solidarity is a matter of reciprocity.

Those who are currently or permanently in need must experience solidarity from our society.

On the other hand, we can also expect those who are in need to do what they can to get back into an independent situation step by step, ”FDP top candidate Christian Lindner * told Funk.

Criticism of Bürgergeld - Just another term for Hartz IV?

Now there is criticism from many quarters, the idea of ​​citizens' money is still vague, too many questions remain unanswered.

In addition, Hartz IV critics in particular see no turning away from the classic unemployment benefit II system.

Rather, only the term would be exchanged.

How the transition from Hartz IV to Bürgergeld is to take place is also still open.

This means that it will only become clear after the coalition negotiations have been concluded how the citizens' money should be structured.

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List of rubric lists: © Kay Nietfeld / dpa