Spending each day engrossed in gaming entertainment
In the heart of Germany, a 53-year-old man named Manni, a trained painter and lacquerer, is grappling with the realities of unemployment and poverty. His days are often spent playing games or sleeping due to financial shortages, a stark contrast to his past life.
Manni's story is the focus of the RTLZWEI documentary "Hartz Rot Gold," which is part of "Hartz Rot Gold - Poverty Map Germany." The new episode of the series will be broadcast every Tuesday at 8:15 PM, offering viewers a glimpse into Manni's life and the challenges he faces.
Manni's financial situation is precarious. Old debts and ongoing costs like electricity, phone, and streaming services exacerbate his struggles. After deducting all fixed costs, he is left with around 200 euros from his monthly 863 euros in social benefits. This meagre amount forces him to make difficult choices, such as giving up his love for football and ice hockey games.
His health is another significant concern. Manni battles diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, and heart problems from a past attack. Despite medical recommendations, he continues to smoke.
Manni's father will visit him in the upcoming episode of "Hartz Rot Gold," offering a welcome change in his monotonous daily life. The visit might bring a glimmer of hope, but whether Manni can break the cycle of unemployment remains unclear.
Social benefits in Germany are available for unemployed individuals, low-income earners, trainees, and people aged 15 to the regular retirement age. Eligibility for unemployment benefits like ALG2 (Bürgergeld) requires the applicant to be fit for work, in need of assistance, aged over 15 and below the retirement age, and have the right to work in Germany. Foreigners must meet at least one of specific criteria to qualify.
Affordable housing benefits (WBS) require limited income or receipt of social benefits, with income limits varying by federal state, a valid residence permit for at least one year, and the submission of necessary documents.
Retirement pension and related benefits are available to those reaching the standard retirement age or being permanently incapacitated for work at 18 or older, residing in Germany with a residence permit or citizenship, and having a total monthly income below a threshold.
The RTLZWEI Media Library and some streaming platforms have "Hartz Rot Gold" available for viewing, allowing audiences to delve deeper into Manni's story and understand the complexities of poverty in Germany.
In light of his precarious financial situation, Manni often has to make difficult choices that limit his lifestyle, such as giving up his love for football and ice hockey games due to the meager amount he receives from social benefits.
Manni's health issues, including diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, and heart problems, are further concerns. Despite medical recommendations, he continues to smoke.
The new episode of "Hartz Rot Gold" could potentially bring a glimmer of hope to Manni's life, as his father is scheduled to visit. This series, available on RTLZWEI Media Library and certain streaming platforms, offers viewers insights into the complexities of poverty in Germany.
