Shocking statistics reveal that in Germany, approximately 860,000 people require Hartz-IV despite being employed. The most affected group is single-parent families. The Bertelsmann Foundation conducted a study using the “Labor Market and Social Security” panel, which interviewed 12,000 people aged 15 and above annually since 2006/07 about their social and financial status. The data was supplemented by statistics from the Federal Employment Agency. The study found that over a fifth (22%) of Hartz-IV recipients are employed, with approximately 860,000 people requiring Hartz-IV despite being employed. Single-parent families are the most affected, with 16% of employed single parents receiving SGB-II benefits.
Anette Stein, an expert in family policy, commented on the situation, stating that “single parents have a high motivation to be employed. However, it is particularly difficult for them to balance work and family life. It is alarming that such a high percentage of single parents require transfer payments despite being employed to secure the minimum standard of living for themselves and their children.” The study found that the employment situation is the most significant factor in determining whether someone requires additional support. The lower the hourly wage and the fewer hours worked, the higher the likelihood of requiring SGB-II benefits.
Almost half (46%) of those requiring additional support work in low-wage jobs, with over three-quarters working in the low-wage sector. This significantly increases the risk of requiring additional support, particularly for single parents. The likelihood of requiring SGB-II benefits despite being employed is significantly higher for both single-parent families and couples with children compared to singles and childless couples, particularly if there are children under the age of twelve in the household. Stein explains that “young children usually require more time and care. However, there is often a lack of care structures or services that would enable parents, especially single parents, to work full-time or even at specific times, such as shift work.”
These statistics highlight the need for better support structures for single-parent families and low-wage workers in Germany. It is essential to address the root causes of the issue, such as low wages and a lack of affordable childcare, to ensure that everyone can live with dignity and security.
