When do you get Hartz 4?

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If you register as unemployed at the employment office, you are entitled to unemployment benefit under certain circumstances. When and whether you get unemployment benefit or only the lower Hartz 4 benefits, depends on some conditions and circumstances that are checked by the employment agency.

While unemployment benefit I is a regularly acquired entitlement, Hartz 4 belongs to the state social benefitsthat are only paid out if there is a need. Similar to social welfare, proof of need must be provided.

When to get Hartz 4 benefits 

When and how much you get Hartz 4 benefits is regulated in the relevant social code.

  • Eligible for Hartz 4, also known as ALG II, are employable, needy people who are habitually resident in Germany between the ages of 15 and 65.
  • All other people living in the household are entitled to benefits, provided that they run a joint household and therefore represent a community of needs.
  • Since Hartz 4 is paid out by the employment agency, the application must also be made there. Since 2005, the social welfare office has only been responsible for people who are not able to work and other people in need.
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  • Anyone who would like to receive Hartz 4 and are able to work must in any case register as unemployed at the employment agency. In order for a benefit commitment to be retained in full, the recipient must accept any job offers and also actively participate in the job search.

Unemployment benefit II - possibly a social benefit of unlimited duration

If you are confronted with Hartz 4 for the first time, you have to overcome the first hurdle with the application. If the requirements are met, social benefits are paid as ALG II.

  • Applicants must undergo a means test. Assets and income may not exceed certain minimum sums in order for the status of a person in need of assistance to be given.
  • All assets that are above the permitted allowances must be used before the first benefit payment.
  • Similar to social welfare, there are other benefits (housing costs, child allowances) and lots of additional regulations (assets, retirement provision, Additional earnings, reasonableness, sanctions and unreasonable).

Not only when, but also how long you get Hartz 4 is regulated. Those who are registered as jobseekers and cannot find a job despite their own proven efforts to find work may receive ALG II until the start of the Retirement pension.

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