In the performance statistics according to SGB II (basic security statistics), the Federal Employment Agency (BA) reports on the number of persons in need of assistance and their benefits under SGB II.
Persons in communities of need (often referred to as Hartz IV recipients in public) must be distinguished by persons entitled to work (eLb) and by persons entitled to work (nEf). ELb receive unemployment benefit II and nEf social benefit. A community of needs is a legal construct that includes all persons who are entitled to benefits on the basis of benefits.
A community of needs consists of at least one eLb (further definitions see the glossary of basic security), whereby the associated shared flat may include other persons outside the SGB II. Communities of needs, persons in SGB II as well as eLb and nEf form the four statistical parameters of the basic security. Depending on the composition, different levels of demand arise. Depending on the level of demand, the levels of benefits are calculated according to the income situation and possible sanctions.
The top-up is the parallel recipients of unemployment benefit I and unemployment benefit II. For persons receiving an increase in unemployment benefit II, the Employment Agency is responsible for placement in work. The Jobcentre is granted unemployment benefit II.
Often the employed ALG II beneficiaries who receive unemployment benefit II in addition to their wage are incorrectly referred to as top-ups.
Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Employment Agency.