Black market work. Collecting citizen’s benefits. Simultaneously. And for the last 10 years. Anna sits across from Paul Ronzheimer in her well-kept living room. She appears calm and composed, and openly discusses with the camera how she is exploiting the German social system.
When Paul Ronzheimer directly asks her if she doesn’t feel guilty, she replies without hesitation: “I did feel guilty, but that was years ago – I used to think that only people who needed it received citizen’s benefits.”
“That’s what it was invented for,” Ronzheimer responds.
Anna then sharply retorts: “Are you that naive, or are you just pretending to be?”
So she earns 2400 Euro net
This scene is part of the latest episode of Paul Ronzheimer’s documentary series “RONZHEIMER – How’s Germany Doing?” (premiering Tuesday at 8:15 PM on Sat.1). The first of five episodes focuses on citizen’s benefits – on people who need aid, and those who exploit the system.
Anna belongs to the latter group. According to Sat.1, estimates suggest around 500,000 citizen’s benefit recipients in Germany are working illegally. The damage to the German economy amounts to billions.
Paul Ronzheimer reviews documents with Anna that clearly document her fraud. He reads: “There’s the standard requirement of 563 Euro, then you get your basic rent reimbursed, 580 Euro, heating costs 60 Euro, additional costs 70 Euro, that brings you to 1263 Euro – that’s a lot of money.”
And that’s only half the story. Anna also works on the black market, earning “about 300 Euro per week,” she says.
Paul Ronzheimer calculates: “That means, with state benefits, you’re earning over 2400 Euro.” – “Correct,” Anna replies curtly.
“I am a fraudster, but…”
BILD Vice Paul Ronzheimer asks if she wouldn’t want to work legally in the future, instead of continuing to defraud the system.
This represents out of the question for Anna: “Yes, I am a fraudster, but I’m no longer ashamed. I’m not able to earn that much if I work full-time. I’m actually a decent person, but the German laws have corrupted me!”
A sense of wrongdoing? Barely perceptible.
When Paul Ronzheimer points out the possible consequences, including a prison sentence, she remains calm: “I’ve been working at one place for almost 15 years. There hasn’t been a single inspection.”
In the further conversation, Anna also recounts advice she received from an employee of the employment agency – it is an unbelievable account.
And just one of many cases that Paul Ronzheimer uncovers in the one-hour broadcast. He is also present at a social raid, accompanies citizen’s benefit recipients during trial work (“It’s exhausting”), and visits “Germany’s most famous unemployed person,” who boasts about his idleness on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anna doing to exploit the system?
Anna is receiving citizen’s benefits while simultaneously working illegally, earning approximately 300 Euro per week in addition to the 1263 Euro she receives from the state.
How much money is Anna earning in total?
Anna earns over 2400 Euro per month, combining her citizen’s benefits and income from black market work.
What is Paul Ronzheimer investigating in his documentary series?
Paul Ronzheimer’s documentary series “RONZHEIMER – How’s Germany Doing?” focuses on citizen’s benefits, examining both those who need help and those who exploit the system.
Given the reported lack of oversight, what steps might authorities take to address potential fraud within the citizen’s benefit system?
