Overview

• The Bundessozialgericht in Kassel ruled that Jobcenters must reimburse Bürgergeld recipients for unavoidable double rent costs incurred due to delayed moves, even without prior approval.
• The case involved a single mother from Bonn who was denied €550 in overlapping rent after her approved relocation was delayed by renovations in 2019.
• The Jobcenter had argued the costs were ‘Wohnungsbeschaffungskosten’ requiring prior authorization, but the court deemed them unavoidable accommodation expenses.
• This decision establishes a binding legal precedent for similar cases, clarifying the scope of housing support under the Bürgergeld system.
• The ruling highlights ongoing tensions in Germany over the interpretation and implementation of welfare policies, particularly regarding housing-related costs.