Citizens’ allowance will increase by twelve percent at the beginning of next year. The majority of German citizens see this as an incentive not to take up regular work. Only the supporters of one party think significantly differently.
The Citizen’s money, i.e. the unemployment benefit II previously known as “Hartz IV”, will be increased by twelve percent at the beginning of 2024 – for example from 502 to 563 euros for single people. The federal government argues that this is necessary in view of the sharp rise in energy and living costs. Critics respond that it would then hardly be worthwhile for people who work or could work in the low-wage sector to pursue employment.
Two thirds of Germans share this assessment, according to a Forsa survey star resulted. Supporters of the AfD and the Union are particularly critical of the increase in citizens’ allowance. 86 or 78 percent of them see it as an obstacle to taking up regular employment. But the fear that the Attraction to work decreases. Only the supporters of the The majority of Greens do not share this view. Only 27 percent of them see the increase in citizens’ allowance next year as an incentive not to work.
In fact, single people who work full-time at the minimum wage earn an average of 532 euros more than they would receive after the upcoming increase in citizens’ benefits. bFor families with three children and an income equal to the minimum wage, it is up to 771 euros more – depending on the age of the children. Both are based on a calculation of the Economic and Social Sciences Institute (WSI) of the trade union-affiliated Hans Böckler Foundation on behalf of the ARD magazine monitor.
The data was collected by the market and opinion research institute forsa for RTL Group Germany on November 16 and 17, 2023. Database: 1009 respondents. Statistical margin of error: +/- 3 percentage points.
Source: Stern
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