As of 1 July 2023, the conditions for receiving social benefits in Germany have changed
What has changed? Why and for what purpose? Today you will get the answer to all these questions.
One of the conditions for receiving additional benefits (Bürgergeld) is the need to permanently reside at the place of residence.
It is noted that the place of residence should be close to the Jobcenter so that a person can meet with a potential employer, visit the Jobcenter or participate in events without excessive effort and personal expenses.
In particular, it is noted that the person must be within 2.5 hours of a one-way trip (compared to the previous time allocated for a round trip).
Exceptions are allowed for absences of no more than 21 days per year. In other cases, special permission will be required.
In addition, the beneficiary must respond to notifications and requests from the Jobcenter in a timely manner within working days.
Please note! The obligation to stay near the place of residence does not apply to Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
In order to justify your absence, you must agree it with the Jobcentre in advance (at least 5 days in advance) and have a good reason. For example:
- Medical appointments (appointments)
- Church events
- Important social events
- Independent job search
- Voluntary work without a significant impact on the integration process
For an optional reason, a person may be absent for no more than 21 calendar days per year, if this does not interfere with the integration process. Absence due to business trips is also allowed for those who work at minimum wage and still enjoy benefits.
If a person is unavailable to the labour office or is absent without prior approval, this leads not only to sanctions, but also to a complete loss of the right to receive benefits.
The right to a standard payment or payment of living expenses and health insurance is also lost. Payments are cancelled for days on which the absence of a person can be confirmed, i.e. if you go somewhere for a long period of time, you will not receive payments for these days.
Why did Germany change these rules?
The rules were changed due to difficult communication with job centre clients. For example, ignoring messages from the job centre and invitations to meetings for various reasons. Especially the reason of inability to get to the job centre.
It is also worth noting that starting from 1 June 2022, Ukrainians received virtually the same social rights as Germans, so their registration with the Jobcenter is governed by German law. Any possible changes will affect not only Ukrainians, but also Germans registered with the Jobcentre.
Why have the rules been changed?
To improve the quality of communication and speed up integration, training or employment in the country.
It is important to understand that support is temporary and is provided to people in difficult times, such as adaptation to a new environment, loss of work or livelihood. You will be supported until you are able to work and thus live a normal, fulfilling life.
If you have any difficulties in finding a job, we are always ready to help you. Please write to us or call us.
