Citizens' allowance recipient in Plau: Live in luxury at state costs!

Citizens' allowance recipient in Plau: Live in luxury at state costs!

In today's episode of the RTL-Zwei social report "Armes Germany", the focus is on citizens' money recipients Nico and Janine from Plau am See. The couple has lived on state benefits for years and uses them as the basis for rejecting regular work. As part of the format, they openly express their attitude to work and do nothing.

"I actually live for every day," says Janine and illustrates her lack of interest in a professional activity. Nico also explains that he is not actively looking for a job and appreciates freedom and leisure time that the state grants offer him. For the two, the situation in which they are, not a load, but a privileged lifestyle that they do not want to give up. Janine even emphasizes that she prefers to live from the office to have more design options for her free time.

Conditions for the receipt of citizenship money

How the Federal Employment Agency can only be used under certain conditions. This includes, among other things, that the applicants are at least 15 years old and must have their place of residence and center of life in Germany. The ability to work at least three hours a day, as well as the need for help are fundamental requirements.

need for help means that the applicant's income is below the subsistence level and that they cannot make a living from their own resources. It is also important that there are no health restrictions on work. People who are not able to work can receive citizens' allowance as long as they live in a community of needs with an employable person.

A look at reality

The Position of Nico and Janine, which is held in the show, is an exception. The vast majority of citizens' money recipients have a strong interest in finding work as quickly as possible. This shows that the reality for many people who rely on government benefits looks different.

The program will be broadcast on RTL on May 6, 2025 at 8:15 p.m. and will certainly spark discussions about the topic of citizen money and the attitude towards work in society. In view of the couple's representations, it becomes apparent that state subsidies can also be perceived differently, which could reinforce the debate about the social benefits.