Hartz IV: Brothers in dispute over work and social assistance!

Everyday life of young people in Germany is increasingly shaped by their decisions about work and social assistance, especially in connection with Hartz IV. In a reporting of TV Movie

The brothers Patrick and Christian show opposite views in terms of work and state support. While Patrick is active and works, Christian prefers to rely on Hartz IV. Benjamin, a 25-year-old Berliner, pursues the dream of a rap career, but also lives from Hartz IV services. In addition, as a single father, Michel faces the challenge of enabling his son Jayden a better childhood than he experienced himself.

challenges for Hartz IV recipients

In addition to these individual stories, the Böckler-Foundation are facing the challenges. A study by Anne Ames, who examines the experience of 430 ALG II recipients in Baden-Württemberg, shows that less than a third of the recipients who left unemployment statistics in July 2008 were able to find regular jobs. Many of those affected get into a “non -employment”, take part in training or are on sick leave.

Integration into the labor market is often short-lived, since many ALG II recipients are alternately busy and unemployed. In addition, 15 percent of the respondents have received an employment relationship in the past 12 months, which did not take long enough to obtain claims I. The crediting of income is also a major problem: Most ALG II recipients often receive less than the standard rate due to crime errors or sanctions.

trust in the offices is low, since less than 40 percent of the respondents believe that their last ALG II notice was correct. In addition, 50 percent assess the telephone accessibility of the responsible employees as bad. Although JobCenter should accept further training requests, these are often rejected. Almost half of the respondents took part in training without job -related content, while less than 20 percent of the measures actually improved the labor market opportunities.

Many ALG II recipients fight with a shortage of money, with about 80 percent suffering from financial difficulties. This also has negative effects on the children of those affected, two thirds of whom report such problems. In addition, 60 percent feel under pressure and externally determined by the labor administration. In addition, there are the performance cuts suffered, which affected 18 percent of those surveyed. It is also critically criticized that the Hartz IV ratings for families are considered inadequate and unconstitutional, since the Federal Constitutional Court must decide on the amount of the services.

Overall, it can be seen that the life situation of many people in Germany, which Hartz IV obtain, is characterized by both financial and emotional stress. The statistics and personal stories, which are both at tv movie href = "https://www.boeckler.de/de/boeckler-impuls-leben-mit-hartz-stark-kaum-gefoert-10615.htm"> Böckler-Foundation , explain the need to improve the situation of these people and find sustainable solutions for their challenges.