<p> <strong> Title: Judgment: JobCenter must take on double rent if the move is delayed </strong> </p>

JobCenter has to take on a double rent for citizen benefit recipients

In a pioneering decision, the Federal Social Court in Kassel has that JobCenter must take over the double rent for citizens' fees under certain circumstances. This regulation applies in particular to cases in which removals due to delays cause unforeseen additional costs. The case that led to this important judgment concerned a single mother from Bonn, who had to stay in her old apartment for longer than planned due to renovation work on her new apartment.

delays in the move and legal disputes

The situation of the citizen's benefit recipient was complicated after her move from a 54 square meter large apartment was delayed in an 82 square meter apartment. Although the job center had approved the moving costs, the authority refused to cover the additional rental costs of 550 euros incurred by the delay. The argumentation of the job center was based on the fact that these costs are considered "housing costs", which can only be reimbursed if prior to be promised.

court ruling and its importance

The plaintiff, however, made it clear that the double rent was actually accommodating accommodation costs that the job center had to assume in accordance with legal requirements, even without prior consent. The court confirmed this perspective and found that the costs for the double rent for the authority were essential if they are considered "inevitable and specific". This means that affected citizen benefit recipients have legal claims to assumption of costs if delays have been proven to have been created when moving.

recommendations for citizen benefit recipients when moving

The judgment shows that it is important for citizen benefit recipients to maintain clear communication with the job center during a move. In view of the frequent difficulties that occur with moves, it is advisable to submit information and any applications for the costs in good time. In order to avoid challenges, recipients of citizen benefit should collect all the necessary receipts and carefully document the communications with the authority. In similar cases, the judgment could help to enforce the claims to assume costs.

Overall, this judgment illustrates the responsibility of the job center, especially in situations in which the circumstances of the citizens' money recipients are unpredictable. The decision could serve as a template for future disputes and offers legal support.