The Employment Center in Dortmund has introduced a new approach for long-term unemployed people receiving social assistance. Instead of the usual sanctions and stricter rules, this center offers financial incentives to motivate people to accept a job.

How does the incentive work?

Since the end of May, anyone in Dortmund who accepts a job as a delivery worker, pizza driver, or in outpatient care can receive a special payment of 5,000 euros to buy a car. In addition, the costs of taking the driving test are subsidized with up to an additional 3,000 euros. Thus, the total support can amount to up to 8,000 euros per person, writes Fenix Magazin.

In addition to a car and a driver's license, it is also possible to receive a subsidy for the purchase of a scooter (up to 3,000 euros), an e-bike, or a moped (up to 2,000 euros).

Why this approach?

While the new federal government is announcing stricter measures and sanctions for social assistance recipients, the Employment Center Dortmund has chosen the opposite direction – incentives instead of pressure. The goal is to motivate people to find employment, especially in jobs where a driver's license and a personal vehicle are necessary.

Skepticism and limitations

Although the head of the Employment Center, Marcus Weichert, explained that this is an exceptional measure and that he expects only around ten beneficiaries per year (which would cost the state around 50,000 euros), some employees of the center are skeptical. They fear that some individuals could take advantage of this assistance, take the money for a car and driving lessons, and then quickly leave the job.

However, Weichert believes that the measure will pay off for society in the long term, for example through the conclusion of new, permanent employment contracts.