Relief package 2022: Hartz IV subsidy - How high it is and when it will be paid out

Created: 05/22/2022, 08:26

By: Patricia Huber

The federal government has surprisingly increased the subsidy for Hartz IV recipients as part of the relief package.

An overview shows who receives money when and why there is criticism.

Berlin - 449 euros: A single Hartz IV recipient has to live on this amount.

Living and heating costs do not have to be covered with it, but everything else: food, electricity, clothing, tickets for public transport and Co. The problem with this: According to the Federal Statistical Office, inflation in Germany is now 7.4 percent in April.

This means that the prices of the sample shopping basket used for the calculation have risen by an average of 7.4 percent.

However, what has not increased is the Hartz IV standard rate.

So how are recipients supposed to compensate for this increase in costs?

Relief package 2022: Hartz IV recipients receive a subsidy of 200 euros

The federal government has therefore decided on a so-called one-off payment.

Each recipient should therefore receive a one-off payment of 200 euros in addition to the Hartz IV standard rate.

This emerges from a draft law that the federal cabinet passed on Wednesday (April 27).

Previously, only 100 euros were planned, now the amount has been surprisingly increased.

Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil explained: “The effects of the pandemic and the rising cost of living are hitting people who are dependent on state support particularly hard.

We are therefore increasing the one-off payments for everyone who receives benefits from the social security systems to 200 euros to support people in this difficult situation.”

According to the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the one-time payment is to be made in July 2022.

However, no exact payment date was given.

Relief package 2022: social association criticizes Hartz IV bonus

Despite the increase, the Parity Welfare Association has criticized the government's plans.

According to a press release, the "aid for low-income households is completely inadequate." Instead of a one-off benefit, the association calls for a "significant increase in the standard rates for minimum security benefits such as Hartz IV by at least 200 euros a month."

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Suspension of the Hartz IV sanctions decided in the Bundestag: "Those who work hard will be stupid in the future"

New study: From 3347 euros per month one is considered rich

"The purchasing power that is melting away month after month is literally driving the poorest to the brink of despair," says Ulrich Schneider, general manager of the Paritätisches Gesamtverband.

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