In this article, we discuss reform elements of "Hartz IV". This includes, on the one hand, merging unemployment benefits with housing benefits and the additional child benefits (Kinderzuschlag) and, on the other hand, reducing disincentives which prevent the recipients from earning higher...

Germany's new government attempts once again to get rid of the infamous "Hartz IV" name for the country's basic income support. The new "Bürgergeld" not only sports a new name, it also formulates new rules for sanctions and for considering income and property.