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Hartz IV: heating costs explode - what the job center pays

2021-10-16T05:04:29.514Z


Heating costs are part of the basic requirement. But energy prices are currently increasing significantly. What that means for Hartz IV recipients, what the job center does.


Heating costs are part of the basic requirement.

But energy prices are currently increasing significantly.

What that means for Hartz IV recipients, what the job center does.

Berlin - Autumn is in full swing and winter is just around the corner.

This is why the heaters in German households are now being turned on again.

According to the nationwide heating mirror, consumers paid between around 46 and 57 euros per month to heat a 70 square meter apartment in 2020.

With a Hartz IV standard rate of 446 euros per month, that's a lot of money.

Therefore, the office pays for the recipients of this social benefit not only rent and ancillary costs but also heating costs - under certain conditions.

Hartz IV: There are limits to the assumption of heating costs

Volker Gerloff, specialist lawyer for social law,

explained to

the

Berliner Morgenpost

what welfare recipients have to consider when assuming heating costs. First and foremost, however, he makes it clear that it always depends on the individual case how much the job center takes on. The nationwide heating level is a benchmark that consumers can also use for orientation. Municipalities can, however, also make their own surveys, which the job center can then use for orientation.

However, it should also be borne in mind that Hartz IV * recipients are more often at home than someone who spends most of their time at work.

As a result, of course, costs also increase, explains Gerloff.

If the landlord then demands additional heating costs, this can become a problem.

But Gerloff gives the all-clear: "The authority must not just cut the money and let the Hartz IV recipient sit on his bills."

Heating costs that are too high: Hartz IV recipients can do that

The office can therefore require the tenant to reduce heating costs in the future. However, he must inform him of this in writing. Then the tenant usually has to reduce his heating costs in the following six months, otherwise the difference between the reasonable heating costs and the costs actually incurred must be paid himself.

As is so often the case, there are exceptions here.

If those affected live, for example, in a poorly insulated or unrenovated apartment, or if the winter was particularly cold, the tenant can inform the office of this.

However, if the justifications are not sufficient, there is always the option to object.

But be careful: "The objection may be informal, but it must be signed by hand," explains Gerloff.

He also reveals that those affected rarely end up paying the costs and that a suitable solution can usually be found together with the job center.

Rising prices for heating oil etc. could become a problem

Only recently did gas prices briefly hit a new record level in European markets, fueling concerns about a shortage in winter. According to the

Handelsblatt

, the gas price has risen by almost 130 percent compared to the previous year.

The reasons for the significant price increases are both low stocks and increasing demand in view of the cold winter of 2020, which, according to experts, is associated with panic buying.

Russia also plays a crucial role in European energy prices.

Experts accuse the rulers of Putin of restricting the offer in order to advance the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 and to force political decisions.

In addition, increased buying interest from the Asian region is driving oil prices.

* Merkur.de is part of IPPEN.MEDIA.

List of rubric lists: © Hauke-Christian Dittrich / dpa

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2021-10-16

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