A car despite citizen's income: may I keep a vehicle?
Anyone applying for citizen's income often wonders: do I have to give up my car? The good news: a reasonable vehicle you may generally keep, especially if you need it for work, family or because of a disability.
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What you should do now
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1. Assess the vehicle's value
Is it a normal, reasonable vehicle?
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2. Use the grace period
In the initial period of receiving benefits, generous asset limits apply.
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3. Set out the need
Do you need the car for work, children or because of a disability? That supports its reasonableness.
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4. Object in case of dispute
If the job center demands realization, you can lodge an objection (mind the deadline).
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sell my car if I receive citizen's income?
As a rule not. A reasonable motor vehicle is part of the protected assets and in principle does not have to be realized under citizen's income. At the start of receiving benefits there is also a grace period with generous asset limits. Only an unreasonably expensive vehicle can exceptionally be taken into account.
What does a 'reasonable' car mean?
That depends on the individual case but is oriented to the value of the vehicle. A usual used vehicle for everyday life is as a rule unproblematic, all the more so if you need the car for the commute to work, for the family or because of a disability. If the job center nevertheless demands realization, you can lodge an objection against it.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.