NRW Minister Laumann: One in 3 Jobcenter Appointments Fails
Published
North Rhine-Westphalia's Labour Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) says that one in three appointments at Jobcenters in the state fails. He criticises that many benefit recipients do not attend their counselling meetings and says this must change. The claim was reported on Friday 16 October, and a follow-up on Sunday 18 October says the minister demands consequences. Social welfare associations, according to the report, have an explanation for the figures.
The statement comes under the new rules for basic income support. Since 1 July 2026 the Grundsicherungsgeld has replaced the Bürgergeld, with stricter duties. The Federal Employment Agency says recipients must attend appointments to which the Jobcenter invites them.
The consequences of missing appointments are now clear. From the second missed appointment without a good reason, the Jobcenter can cut the standard rate by 30 percent for one month. If three appointments in a row are missed without a good reason, the entitlement to benefits can lapse completely. A breach of duties, such as refusing a reasonable job, can lead to a 30 percent cut for three months. For missed appointments before 1 July 2026, the old rules continue to apply.
The problem is not limited to one region. In September, the Jobcenter in Duisburg reported that up to a third of appointments had been missed and began sending field staff to visit people.
What to do: read every invitation carefully and attend on the date. If you cannot come, for example because of illness, tell your Jobcenter caseworker before the appointment and send proof if you have it. A good reason, reported in time, protects you from a cut. Recipients who receive a cut notice can object in writing within the deadline stated in the notice and can ask a counselling centre for help.
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