RTL Zwei Reports Expose Bürgergeld Strains as Rejected Claim Pushes Woman to Sell Her Dog

Overview

• Steffi from Bremen-Nord says her Bürgergeld was cut off after the Jobcenter deemed her in a shared household with her partner, and she listed her dog for €650 to cover overdue rent.
• Pamela reports receiving only €80 despite a notice for more than €700 in combined widow’s pension and benefits, leaving bills unpaid and prompting disputes with the Jobcenter.
• Janine, a single mother in Rostock, deregistered her make‑up business to simplify dealings with the Jobcenter after low demand and time pressures made self‑employment unworkable.
• Several participants delay or pass on work: Jerome let a paid offer lapse over pay and tax worries and personal problems, Stephan postponed job seeking during a move and rest, and Franzi prioritized a housing search over applications.
• The episodes air against government signals of tighter participation duties and expanded sanctions for recipients, with no new administrative changes detailed in the reports.