Hartz IV: Unemployment benefits are paid out on these dates

Created: 08/12/2022, 09:20

By: Marcus Efler

Every month again: Unemployment benefit II, better known as Hartz IV, is running out far too quickly.

It is precisely determined when the next transfer will arrive.

One of the unpleasant characteristics of unemployment benefit (ALG) is that it is always too little - logically, especially at the end of the month, when the account balance and the cash reserve are approaching zero at an alarming rate.

The anxious wait for the payment is then part of everyday life for every ALG recipient.

But when is it finally time?

The date of payment by the job center is subject to strict rules.

There is a clear difference between unemployment benefit I, the amount of which depends on the last salary, and unemployment benefit II, which is connected to it and is usually referred to as Hartz IV.

Job centers have fixed deadlines for the payment of Hartz IV.

(Iconic image) © Oliver Berg/dpa

While the former, like normal salary, is paid towards the end of the month, Hartz IV must always be in the recipient's account at the beginning of it, specifically on the first working day - so that his livelihood is secured.

In practice, this requirement means that the job centers transfer it at the end of the previous month.

The latest date when the payment goes out is fixed in advance.

This year, the September Hartz IV will be transferred on Wednesday, August 31st.

It will reach the recipient no later than Thursday, September 1st (banks within the EU must credit the amount by the next working day).

Job seekers have to wait longer in October.

The money will be transferred on Friday, September 30th and will usually not be in your account until Tuesday, October 4th.

After all, Saturdays (unlike parking ticket machines) are not considered working days here, and October 3rd is a public holiday.

Impressions: Switch electricity providers free of charge and save money every year – with remind.me

View photo gallery

It is precisely in such cases that Hartz IV recipients must be prepared to stretch out their money from the previous month for a few more days.

Of course, some relief is provided if the transfer is carried out in real time, as is now possible with many accounts.

Then the amount is in the account on the same day.

In addition, the days mentioned are the latest dates: Some job centers also pay a little earlier.

also read

When to retire?

These cohorts are allowed to retire before 67

Five-euro trick: You can save up to a thousand euros in one year

Incidentally, you do not necessarily need a bank account to receive your ALG: Cash payments are possible at the cash machines in the job center, and the job center can also issue cash checks.