According to an agency report, the way is open in Germany for the planned conversion of Hartz IV into citizen income. Last night, the mediation committee of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat decided on a proposed agreement that had already been negotiated between the ruling parties SPD, Greens and FDP with the Union, according to Portal in negotiating circles.
The requirements for receiving citizenship benefits are therefore stricter compared to the original SPD, Greens and FDP coalition plans. Violations of the obligation to cooperate can therefore be sanctioned from the outset with cuts in benefits. Property subsidies and the waiting period during which the suitability of an apartment is not checked are also reduced.
The outcome of the mediation must be decided tomorrow by the Bundestag and Bundesrat for the reform to take effect on January 1, 2023. This also involves higher monthly payments than previously for Hartz IV recipients.