Ukrainians may lose their payments under the Bürgergeld Widerspruch program in Germany. Find out what can be the basis for and how to appeal against the cancellation of payments

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Ukrainians in Germany can receive financial unemployment benefits from Bürgergeld. In addition to financial support, the program offers refugees opportunities for professional development. We told more about the assistance to Ukrainians from Bürgergeld in our previous article. 

However, there are a number of reasons why refugees may be deprived of payments under the program. Read more about the reasons for the termination of financial assistance and how to appeal against the cancellation in the article below. 

Find out how to obtain a work permit in Germany in 2023 for Ukrainians here.

Paragraph 24 for refugees: eligibility for a residence permit for asylum seekers in Germany - details here.

Benefits from Bürgergeld: reasons for cancellation and reduction of benefits

According to the Ukrainianingermany portal, Bürgergeld may cancel the provision of financial assistance to Ukrainians if they do not comply with the relevant conditions of the program. Thus, the following cases may lead to fines, loss of part of the funds or complete cancellation of financial support: 

● Living at an address that does not correspond to the place of registration

One of the conditions for receiving assistance from Bürgergeld is the need to permanently reside at the place of registration. According to the terms of the program, the maximum period of absence from the place of registration is 21 days. For more information on all the nuances related to the place of residence, please click here. 

● Refusal to work, attend courses and seminars offered by the program

If a person receiving financial assistance refuses to attend courses, seminars on employment or work that corresponds to their professional skills and qualifications, they may lose part of their financial assistance. It is noted that the amount of payments will be reduced by 10% for the first relevant violation, by 20% for the second, and by 30% for the third.

● Ignoring the deadline without a valid reason

Each time a person ignores the deadline set by the program, the amount of financial assistance will be reduced by 10% per month. It is noted that interest can be summarized, but its amount should not exceed 30%. 

● Dismissal from work without a valid reason

If a person quits his/her job without a valid reason, the financial assistance will be reduced by 30% for the next three months. 

● Concealment of additional income and property

It is noted that in cases where refugees conceal information about their income or property, the social service will be obliged to insist on a full refund of the funds paid under the program. In some cases, such fraud is punishable by fines and even imprisonment. 

How to get a residence permit in Germany - step-by-step instructions.

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Cancellation of financial assistance due to absence at the place of residence: how to appeal

If a person was on a business trip or did not violate the allowed 21-day period of absence from the place of registration, but the financial assistance was still canceled, such a decision of the social service can be appealed. To do this, you need to contact the employment center and explain the reasons for your absence. It is noted that in order to confirm the reasons, evidence must be provided, such as tickets or documents that can confirm the business trip. 

Except for emergency situations, there are a number of cases in which a person may be absent from the place of registration. However, the employment center must be notified at least 5 days in advance. 

Such cases include:

● emergency hospitalization; 

● a doctor's appointment; 

● church and social events; 

● independent job search; 

● volunteer activities.

We remind you! A new housing program for Ukrainian refugees has been launched in Germany. We explained how the online platform works, what is required to register and submit an application, and what new features are available to Ukrainians in our previous article.

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