TV Recaps Trace Bürgergeld Struggles: Benefit Denial, Missed Jobs, Desperate Measures

Overview

• DerWesten recaps early-November RTL Zwei documentaries Armes Deutschland and Hartz Rot Gold that follow individual Bürgergeld recipients in daily decisions and setbacks.
• Steffi from Bremen-Nord had her Bürgergeld application rejected after an anonymous tip about a shared household, went a month without benefits or rent money, and considered selling her dog for €650.
• Michelle, 25, entered a job interview without preparation, declined to volunteer her benefit status, and said she expects a callback the following week.
• Franzi in Büsum says housing comes first as she searches for a new apartment while living with mold and no running water, which she argues leaves little time to pursue work.
• The programs show divergent paths: Jerome let a firm job offer lapse because he said he needed to clean his apartment, while Feeli in Neumünster wants to work but was advised by her counselor to pause attempts due to childcare and Jobcenter complications.