Sanktionsfrei e.V.

Sanktionsfrei e.V. is a non-profit registered association founded in 2015 in Berlin, which advocates for the support of Hartz IV recipients and the abolition of SGB II sanctions. Founded by Helena Steinhaus, who has personal experience with Hartz IV, the association is also supported by Inge Hannemann and Michael Bohmeyer.

• Legal Support: Sanktionsfrei offers a free online platform through which affected individuals can automatically generate objection letters against sanctions. Additionally, if needed, the search and financing of further legal advice is supported by a network of lawyers[2][3].
• Financial Support: From a donation-funded solidarity fund, the losses incurred due to sanctions are financially compensated. By mid-2022, around 270,000 euros had been distributed to affected individuals[1][3].
• Public Relations: The association conducts various campaigns to raise awareness of the living conditions of Hartz IV recipients. Examples include the "HappyHartz" campaign and the "Energy Costs Campaign," which received significant media attention[1][3].

The main mission of Sanktionsfrei is to destigmatize the receipt of social benefits and to enable a fear-free and dignified basic security for all. The association advocates for an end to Hartz IV sanctions, which are seen as disproportionate and counterproductive when it comes to reintegrating people into the labor market. Sanktionsfrei is connected to the idea of an Unconditional Basic Income and strives for a society where people support each other and punitive sanctions belong to the past[1][3].

• Scientific Studies: Sanktionsfrei has conducted a scientific long-term study in cooperation with the Institute for Empirical Social and Economic Research (INES Berlin), which shows that sanctions have no motivating effect and instead are demotivating and intimidating[1][3].
• Crowdfunding and Solidarity: The association has successfully conducted crowdfunding campaigns to obtain the necessary support for its projects. Through one campaign, over 130,000 euros were raised, enabling the launch of the platform for automated objections against sanctions[3].
• Support in Crisis Times: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanktionsfrei supported affected families with one-time payments and helped cover food prices and other financial shortfalls[1][3].

Sanktionsfrei e.V. continuously works to improve the social system and achieve a dignified basic security for all by providing both individual support and striving for political and societal changes.

• 1 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanktionsfrei
• 2 - https://www.startnext.com/sanktionsfrei/blog/beitrag/die-rechtliche-unterstuetzung-hinter-sanktionsfrei-p57966.html
• 3 - https://sanktionsfrei.de/ueber-uns
• 4 - https://www.gegen-hartz.de/news/was-steckt-hinter-sanktionsfrei-de
• 5 - https://sanktionsfrei.de