A move under Hartz 4 often comes with special requirements and many open questions. We support you discreetly and with a focus on solutions: from the initial consultation and clarifying cost coverage to carefully carrying out your move in Berlin. That way you are spared one thing above all – unnecessary stress.
Our offer for your Hartz 4 move in Berlin
Cost coverage: creating clarity
The decision on cost coverage is made by the responsible benefits agency. We prepare the necessary documents, show you which details are useful and help you word your applications. The aim is to structure the communication clearly for you.
Preparation: planning together
Before every move, we take stock of your household contents. We clarify which furniture is coming along, which items need special protection and what access is like at the start and destination addresses.
On this basis we draw up a clear plan for moving day so that everyone involved knows when and how things will be done.
How moving day works
On moving day we work in a structured and considerate way. Our sequence is based on practical considerations and your instructions.
- Short briefing on site: process, access, stairs, special features.
- Safe packing and labelling of delicate items.
- Careful carrying with protection for floors and doors.
- Transport to the destination and orderly unloading.
- On request, unpacking and positioning of furniture according to your instructions.
Additional services
We offer additional services that make your move easier: professional furniture dismantling and assembly, careful transport on stairs and materials to protect delicate items.
If you wish, we can also advise you on the best way to furnish your new home so that your rooms quickly become functional and homely.
Moving on Bürgergeld (citizen’s income): how cost coverage usually works
Since 2023, the former basic income support for jobseekers, colloquially known as Hartz IV, has been called Bürgergeld (citizen’s income). If you receive Bürgergeld and have to or want to move, you can apply to the Jobcenter to have your moving costs covered. Whether this happens and to what extent is decided by the Jobcenter on a case-by-case basis. One thing is particularly important: the application must usually be submitted and approved before the move.
The typical steps
- Find a new flat and present the rental offer to the Jobcenter
- Obtain assurance regarding the costs of the new accommodation
- Apply for your moving costs to be covered
- Submit quotes from removal companies – several are often required
- Wait for approval and only then place the order
The exact requirements vary. Ask your Jobcenter which documents are needed.
Our quote for the Jobcenter
We draw up a written quote for you in which all services are listed individually: vehicle, carriers, working time, and possibly furniture assembly and no-parking zone. This way the Jobcenter can see what the costs are for. It is often expected that you pack yourself or involve helpers from your circle of friends and family. We tailor the quote to what can be approved.
If only part of the costs is covered
Sometimes the Jobcenter only covers the costs of the vehicle and carriers, but not the packing service or assembly. In that case you can do these tasks yourself, and we limit ourselves to transport and carrying. For small households, a mini move can be the right solution, and for carrying help only, our removal helpers.
Preparation
- Get boxes and pack in good time
- Give away or dispose of furniture that is not coming with you beforehand
- Arrange the flat handover with your old landlord
- Register your new address at the citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks
Costs
General information on moving costs can be found under Moving Company Berlin Costs. Preparing the quote is free of charge for you.
Request a move with Jobcenter cost coverage
Call us on 030 612 964 73 or send us your addresses and the size of your flat. We will prepare a written quote for you free of charge, which you can submit to the Jobcenter. Find out more about us at your moving company Berlin.
What you should clarify with the Jobcenter in advance
When is a move considered necessary?
Whether a move is recognised as necessary is decided by the Jobcenter. Typical reasons include a flat that is too expensive or too small, taking up work in another location, or health reasons. Talk to the responsible office early, before you sign a new tenancy agreement.
What about the deposit and redecoration?
In addition to moving costs, a rental deposit or redecoration costs may also be covered under certain conditions, sometimes as a loan. These items must be applied for separately. Ask the Jobcenter which benefits are possible in your case.
What if it has to happen quickly?
Sometimes there is little time between being offered the flat and moving in. In that case it is particularly important to submit complete documents. We send you our quote quickly so that the Jobcenter can decide promptly. We only start the move once the cost coverage has been approved or you expressly instruct us to go ahead without approval.
Moving with the Jobcenter: experience from our practice
A move for which the Jobcenter is to cover the costs hardly differs in its process from a normal move. The difference lies in the weeks beforehand: documents, quotes and approvals must be available in the right order. From many such jobs we know the typical pitfalls.
First the assurance, then the tenancy agreement
The most common mistake is signing a new tenancy agreement before the Jobcenter has agreed. Prior assurance is usually required for the costs of the new flat and the moving costs to be covered. So present the flat offer to the Jobcenter before you sign, and wait for the reply. Find out in advance which guideline values for rent and heating costs apply in Berlin for your household size.
Several quotes
Many Jobcenters require several quotes from removal companies in order to compare them. After an on-site survey or based on a detailed list, we draw up a written quote with all items. It contains the address, scope and individual services so that the caseworker can follow it.
What the Jobcenter often expects
In many cases the Jobcenter expects you to take on reasonable parts of the move yourself, such as packing the boxes, if your health allows. If you are ill or have limitations, you can enclose a certificate. The packing service may then also be covered. The Jobcenter decides on a case-by-case basis.
Billing
How the invoice is paid is determined by the Jobcenter. Sometimes payment is made directly to us, sometimes you receive the money and pay yourself. Clarify this before the move so that there are no open questions afterwards. We issue the invoice so that it matches the approved quote.
When it’s urgent
Some moves are urgent, for example after a notice to quit, a separation or when the flat has become uninhabitable. Then quick contact with the Jobcenter is important. Describe the situation and ask which documents are needed immediately. We can prepare a quote at short notice so that no time is lost.
Other benefit providers
It is not only the Jobcenter that covers moving costs in certain cases. The social welfare office (Sozialamt) can also be responsible, for example for basic income support in old age. The process is similar: clarify first, then obtain quotes, then move. For older people moving into a smaller or barrier-free flat, we describe how we proceed on our page on senior moves.
Please note: we are a removal company, not a legal advice service. For questions about your entitlements, advice centres, social associations and tenants’ associations can help.
Keep all letters from the Jobcenter, the approved quote and the invoice together. If questions arise later, you will have everything in one place.
Planning a move? We are happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do you help with coordination with the benefits agency?
We prepare the necessary documents, explain which proof is helpful and give you clear suggested wording for your communication. On request, we put together ready-to-use, checklist-style documentation for submitting your application.
What preparations should I make myself before a move with cost coverage?
A rough overview of your furniture and larger items is helpful, as well as information about possible bottlenecks or parking options. We take care of the rest: packing materials, protective measures and safe loading.
How much does a move on Bürgergeld in Berlin cost?
As with any move, we calculate the costs based on flat size, floors and services. For the Jobcenter, we prepare a written quote that you can submit with your application. Whether and to what extent the costs are covered is decided by the Jobcenter. Guide prices can be found under Moving Company Berlin Costs.
How does Lion Umzüge support a move with cost coverage?
We prepare the quote that the Jobcenter usually requires and tailor the move to the approved scope. If the Jobcenter pays us directly, we clarify the billing with you in advance.
How short-notice can I get a date for a move with Jobcenter cost coverage?
The application to the Jobcenter takes time. So contact us early so that you can submit the quote in good time. We fix the moving date as soon as approval has been granted.
Can I combine several services for a move with Jobcenter cost coverage?
Yes, insofar as the Jobcenter covers the services or you wish to pay for them yourself: we list packing service, assembly service, house clearance and storage individually in the quote.
How are my belongings insured during a move with Jobcenter cost coverage?
Liability under Section 451e of the German Commercial Code (HGB) also applies to moves with cost coverage, i.e. 620 euros per cubic metre of cargo space required. The same rules therefore apply to your belongings as to any other move.
How to reach us
If you would like personal advice, we will be happy to prepare an individual quote and support you step by step. Call us or send us a message – we will get back to you quickly to agree the next steps.
How to get a clear assessment
For a quote to suit your situation, the scope, access situation and any additional services required should be considered together. When you enquire, tell us for example the number of rooms, large pieces of furniture, the floor, whether there is a lift and your preferred date. A possible packing service, furniture assembly or a no-parking zone may also be relevant for planning. This way the scope of services is clearly described and you can compare quotes more easily.
