Heil promises Hartz IV recipients significantly more money – “We have to keep society together”

Created: 07/15/2022, 09:48 am

By: Lisa Mayerhofer

In view of rising inflation, Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has announced a significant increase in Hartz IV rates.

(Archive image) © Swen Pförtner/dpa

In view of the rising inflation, Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil wants to raise the Hartz IV rates significantly.

He intends to present the bill for this this summer.

Berlin – Good news for Hartz IV recipients: Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has announced a change in the calculation of the standard rate – as well as a significant increase in Hartz IV rates.

"Our welfare state must ensure that people who have no financial reserves can make ends meet," Heil told the editorial network Germany.

Heil wants to change the calculation of the standard rate – and more money for Hartz IV recipients

He was determined to change the ruleset calculation.

The previous mechanism lagged behind the price development too much.

"With the citizens' allowance, we will reduce the bureaucracy of the system and ensure that people in need are reliably protected," said Heil.

He will present the bill this summer.

There will be a significant increase in standard rates at the beginning of next year, the minister added.

Heil had already proposed in May to change the calculation so that the standard rates for citizen income per person and month are 40 to 50 euros higher than in the previous basic security.

The new citizens' allowance is intended to replace the previous Hartz IV system.

The traffic light parties agreed on this in their coalition agreement.

However, there are still differences in the design – for example with regard to the amount of future benefits.

Heil: Concentrate relief on small and middle incomes

In addition, the Minister of Labor urges that only people with low and middle incomes should be supported in relief measures.

"Because the state possibilities are not infinite, it is about targeted relief," said the SPD politician to the editorial network Germany.

"I don't see any scope to relieve people with high incomes." Higher prices are annoying for them, but not an existential problem.

also read

Habeck's "nightmare scenario" threatens: Gazprom speaks up - and considers the forecast "impossible"

Hartz IV: Cuts for the long-term unemployed – CDU foams: “The poorest are saving”

"In this serious crisis, we have to specifically focus the help on people with lower and middle incomes," demanded Heil.

"This is the only way we can keep our society together in difficult times." In addition, the state must be able to continue investing in infrastructure, education and research.