How much property can you own if you claim government benefits? The highest German court in Karlsruhe has now made a decision on this.

According to a decision by the Federal Constitutional Court, specifications for Hartz IV recipients regarding the maximum size of residential property are compatible with the Basic Law.

The highest German court in Karlsruhe announced that funds from the general public to help needy members should only be used in cases of current need. In concrete terms, this means that if, for example, a family owns a house or a larger apartment and the children move out, the number of square meters that is considered appropriate for receiving state benefits decreases.

The judges decided that those affected would not be denied any services that they needed to secure their livelihood. “Because they own their own home, which they can use and thus secure their needs themselves.” (Az. 1 BvL 12/20)