New Citizen's Allowance Study: "For many children from poor families, their life path is already mapped out"

"Friedrich Merz's rhetoric always sounds as if those receiving the citizen's income are all to blame, lazy, have more than enough, and are therefore taking it easy," Helena Steinhaus tells BRIGITTE. "All of this is false. He knows it, but his policy is solely aimed at providing cheap labor," the expert says. "To achieve this, the citizen's income must, of course, be as poorly funded as possible. But: A well-funded citizen's income not only strengthens people in need, but also workers, because it improves their negotiating position. A system that fuels existential fears depresses wages and fuels exploitation. Anyone who is serious about labor market policy must expand social security—not cut it."

2. Do not place people affected by poverty under general suspicion

"Only one in ten people receiving benefits feels part of society – instead, shame, isolation, and the feeling of not belonging prevail," Helena Steinhaus tells BRIGITTE. "Nevertheless , false stereotypes of the 'lazy welfare parasite' are repeatedly perpetuated. Bärbel Bas added fuel to the fire when she spoke of taking action against the organized abuse of social benefits and wanting to dismantle these 'mafia-like structures.'" The fact is that there is no data basis for structural welfare abuse. However, the new citizen's allowance study by "Sanktionsfrei" shows: "The vast majority want to work, but cannot under the current conditions," says Steinhaus. "Those at the head of the Bundestag should not kick those below them, but stand up for social justice. A labor minister should put people first! No more blame-shifting and dehumanization!"

3. Families need security of existence. No one should go hungry or be ashamed of poverty.

Half of the people in low-income households aren't getting enough to eat. Over 50 percent of parents go without food so their children have enough. 28 percent live in constant fear of homelessness. This is the finding of the new citizen's income study by "Sanktionsfrei eV." "These people want to work – but they are being let down," says association chairwoman Helena Steinhaus. "Only 16 percent feel empowered by the job center. Only 12 percent feel part of society at all. This exclusion also hits children hard. Those who deny children and parents social participation create fear of the future – not equal opportunities. No one should have to go hungry or be ashamed of their poverty!"

4. Origin must not determine the future

"For many children living in poor families, their life path is already predetermined," warns Helena Steinhaus. Citizen's income is also figuratively 'inherited' . "In Germany, origin often determines one's future. Those who have little have often achieved a lot – and inherited nothing," the expert says.

5. Give poor children real opportunities – instead of mistrust

"The basic child benefit could have helped , but it was blocked – with the old prejudice that poor parents would 'drink away' the money ," Helena Steinhaus complains. "Studies prove the opposite: More income benefits children. Enough of this dehumanizing narrative – children have a right to a future!"

"It's not people receiving citizen benefits who are endangering the welfare state, but tax avoidance, cum-ex scandals, and political patronage for the rich," says the chairwoman of the "Sanktionsfrei" association. "Those who want to save should start where the money is – not with those who have to make every penny count. A just society recognizes genuine achievement and taxes large fortunes instead of keeping the poor down."

7. Citizens’ income needs a humane reform – with more money, respect and real support

"We need a sanction-free standard rate of at least €813 , individualized support instead of mass processing, and training instead of pressure to find a job," demands Helena Steinhaus in BRIGITTE. "Job centers don't need simplified sanctions, and certainly not a return to total sanctions."

Brigitte

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