Hartz Rot Gold: Tanja and Willy fight poverty in Gelsenkirchen!

Hartz Rot Gold: Tanja and Willy fight poverty in Gelsenkirchen!

On January 6, 2025, RTL2 will show the new episodes of the social documentary "Hartz Rot Gold", which illuminates the realities of life and challenges in difficult financial situations. In the episode "Problems and Solutions" Willy and Tanja from Gelsenkirchen are the focus. The couple spends a summer on a campsite near Hamm-Uentrop and tells of their experiences with the citizens' allowance.

Tanja has submitted an application for citizens' money to the job center, which was approved after four months of waiting. It now receives around 451 euros per month. This financial support is a significant step towards improving your life situation, while Willy also receives disability pension and basic security. Tanja emphasizes that half of the rent as well as heating and additional costs are covered, which enables you to go shopping better.

The context of the citizens' allowance

The citizens' allowance that has replaced unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV) since January 1, 2023 is aimed at employable persons who do not find a job or their income is not sufficient. As the Federal Government , the citizens' benefit works as a modification of the existing SGB II and offers monthly financial support, which includes standard conditions for a living, accommodation and additional needs.

The right to citizens' allowance exists for people who have reached the age of 15, but have not yet reached the statutory retirement age and have their habitual stay in Germany. Application requires proof of the need for help, while the job centers are responsible for determining the needs. Applications can be made via third parties, while the services are adapted to personal needs.

Important social benefits at a glance

Social security in Germany is based on various social benefits that act as a “sanctuary” of its own. Social assistance includes helping to livelihood and basic security in old age or in the event of disability. These behavioral rates are anchored in the various legislates of the twelfth book of the Social Code (SGB XII).

Willy and Tanja show how important this financial aid are for the quality of life of people who are in need through no fault of their own. According to the Citizens' money, there are many reasons why people need social help, such as job loss or health problems. The new season of "Hartz, Red, Gold" runs on TV on Monday to Friday at 4:05 p.m. and is also available in the media library at RTL+.