Hartz IV: groceries are becoming more expensive - when recipients get more money for food

Created: 10/04/2022 11:03 am

By: Patricia Huber

In certain cases, Hartz IV recipients can receive more money for groceries.

But the hurdles are high.

Berlin – Inflation in Germany is at its highest level since the early 1950s.

Prices in September rose sharply by 10 percent compared to the same month last year.

The prices for groceries were recently even 18.7 percent above the previous year's level.

Hartz IV recipients have to struggle with this in particular – because the standard rate only provides 5.19 euros per day for groceries for a single person.

Hartz IV: increased need for groceries

Saving is therefore the top priority for many.

However, not all Hartz IV recipients cannot reduce their grocery shopping costs so drastically.

Some require a specific diet due to medical conditions.

But the legislature has made provisions for this case.

Those affected can submit an application for additional demand for costly food.

This is taken over if those affected are forced by their illness to resort to a diet that is more expensive than normal whole food.

Religious reasons do not count here.

A doctor's certificate or attestation must also be submitted with the application.

Hartz IV: With these diseases there is more money for groceries

The following diseases are listed on the additional requirement application from the Federal Employment Agency:

• Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)

• Cystic fibrosis (metabolic disease)

• Permanent failure of renal function with dialysis therapy

• disease-associated malnutrition

• Swallowing disorder, for which the use of so-called thickening powder is recommended from a medical point of view

In addition, an additional requirement can also be requested for other diseases.

Whether and to what extent the job center then covers the costs for the special diet depends on the individual case.

However, there are also illnesses and food intolerances that have been excluded from the outset.

These are:

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Hartz IV: In these cases there is no additional need for food

• Dyslipoproteinemia (dyslipidemia)

• hyperuricemia and gout

• high blood pressure

• Cardiac and renal edema

• Diabetes mellitus, type I and type II

• Ulcus Duedeni and Ulcus ventriculi (ulcer on the duodenum or stomach)

• neurodermatitis

• liver diseases

• endometriosis

• Lactose intolerance

• fructose intolerance

According to the German Association for Public and Private Welfare, a full diet is sufficient for these diseases.

And the job center is also based on the recommendations of this association.