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The Jobcenter or ARGE

ARGE stands for Arbeitsgemeinschaft, or Jobcenter, and refers to the association that, since Hartz-IV-reform 2005 (§44, SGB II), manage long term unemployed (receivers of Unemployment Benefit II) and applicants with special placement difficulties. ARGE consults, connects, and pays money like UB II and rent.

ARGE was created to achieve, through person-bound management of the unemployed by so-called case managers, a higher placement success rate and a decrease of the unemployment rate. Critics doubt this will succeed because this way no new jobs are created.

On Dec 12 2007, the Constitutional Court determined the ARGE not compatible with the basic law of the FRG. Until 2010, the legislator must bring about an according change of laws. Also a change of the basic law is discussed.

• Contact your ARGE and be councilled by your case manager
• Fill in the application form for UB II and hand it in, signed, to your ARGE. If you have questions, ask your case manager
• Check the UB II assessment that you get, for correctness. There have always been miscalculatoins by ARGE. In such a case, object immediately
• Think about it well, whether you want to sign the so-called Eingliederungsvereinbarung (placement agreement) in which the expected efforts of the ARGE as well yours are agreed - You are not obliged to sign it!
• Inform yourself about your rights and obligations towards the ARGE. Contact other unemployed, unemployed-networks and advice centers
• Attention! Do not risk your entitlement for ignorance: For example, if you move to a place of lesser size than the size you are entitled to (about 45 sqm for one person) then you will not be easily allowed to move into smething larger again. This means, once 20 sqm, forever 20 sqm, even if according to law, you are entitled to 45 sqm!
• Despite all certainly justified criticism about Hartz-IV-reforms and their execution, you should not see your case manager as your opponent. See him as the guy who is really wanting to help you in your situation. Remember: They are only the executive arm.