A refugee family failed to report to the job center that the wife had taken on a part-time job. After the job center found out about this, the family had to repay a portion of their social benefits retroactively.
This case illustrates that anyone receiving social benefits must report important changes. This includes, for example, new income. Section 60 of Book I of the Social Code (SGB I) requires people receiving social benefits, among other things, to provide accurate information and report important changes that could affect their entitlement to benefits. In addition, they must submit the necessary documents and evidence and cooperate with the responsible agency if asked for further information.
What changes are important?
Depending on the benefit, the following changes may be relevant, for example:
- A move or change of address, as well as changes in household composition, such as someone moving in or out.
- The start or end of employment, a change in income, or additional income.
- Changes in family or household circumstances, such as the birth of a child, marriage, or separation.
- Changes in rent or heating costs, if these are factored into the benefit calculation.
- A change of school or changes in vocational training or higher education, if they could affect your entitlement to benefits.
- Significant changes in assets, such as an inheritance, to the extent that this is relevant to your entitlement.
It is not necessary to report every personal change. What matters are changes that are relevant to the specific social benefit in question.
Which agency must be notified?
That depends on the specific benefit:
- Job Center: for basic income support.
- Social Services Office: for social benefits within its jurisdiction.
- Family Benefits Office: for child allowance and child supplement.
- Housing Assistance Office: for housing assistance.
- Youth Welfare Office: for certain benefits for children and adolescents.
- For benefits related to education and participation, the responsible agency depends on the specific benefit and your place of residence. In the Tübingen district, for example, the Tübingen District Office, Social Services Department, is responsible for education and participation. In other cases, the Job Center may be responsible.
Not every change must be reported to all authorities. The key factor is which benefit is affected and which agency is responsible for it.
For child benefit and the child supplement, for example, certain changes must be reported directly to the Family Benefits Office.
What happens if changes aren’t reported?
Anyone who fails to provide the required information or documentation may run into trouble. If benefits are overpaid due to an unreported change, the responsible agency may demand repayment. Depending on the case, there may be additional legal consequences.
Further Information:
§ 60 SGB I – Laws on the Internet
Family Benefits Office – Report Changes
Federal Employment Agency – Changes and Supporting Documentation for Basic Income Support
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