German Jobcenter Sanctions Push Children into Poverty
Since July 1, 2025, German jobcenters have been allowed to cut benefits by up to 30%. This policy has directly impacted children, as reported by author Charly Roffalski in Der Freitag. The article details the case of Marie, a child whose family faced severe sanctions. The author, interning at Schindler Rechtsanwälte in Berlin-Neukölln, processed emails for the 'Sanktionsfrei' initiative, which supports people in conflict with jobcenters. Upon opening Marie's file, the author recognized the address from Plauen, highlighting the personal toll of the policy. The piece underscores how bureaucratic decisions can worsen child poverty.
Key facts
- Since July 1, 2025, jobcenters can cut benefits by up to 30%.
- Author Charly Roffalski reports on three children affected by sanctions.
- The case of Marie was handled by Schindler Rechtsanwälte in Berlin-Neukölln.
- The author was a legal intern at the firm.
- The 'Sanktionsfrei' initiative assists people in conflict with jobcenters.
- The address in Marie's file was familiar to the author from Plauen.
- The article was published in Der Freitag.
- The policy is criticized for worsening child poverty.
Entities
Institutions
- Jobcenter
- Schindler Rechtsanwälte
- Sanktionsfrei
- Der Freitag
Locations
- Berlin-Neukölln
- Germany
- Plauen