What is this "social rent" in Germany I heard about?

Question

Is it money Germans get even if they don't work?

Answer 1

I live here and am half German, not entirely sure what you´re going at, though.

Yes, there is a certain amount of money given to people who don´t work due to illnesses or simply a lack of a job. This system is called "welfare state" and it´s not only Germany that does this. If you refer to rent, that is included in this money respectively paid seperately. For instance, if you rent a house to an unemployed person, the state/local community would transfer the rent (if applicable) to you as well as pay the gas and electricity bills. It doesn´t mean you can just live off the state and don´t have to work, this is checked. There will be the odd black sheep here and there, but it´s not the system´s fault.

The amount of money can be reduced if you are offered a job and refuse to take it on, for example. It´s slightly too complicated to go into all details - but generally speaking, this is a safety net for people who have worked, paid money into the big pot that is called "unemployment insurance" - if they lose their job for some reason and can´t find another one, this "insurance" pays them a monthly sum until they find a new one. Basic insurance principle, if you want. With one exception: you can receive money out of the pot even if you haven´t paid any in - for example if you can´t find a job right after school. The system accounts for that as well. Yes, it is quite complex, hope you got the gist of it. :)