What does Leistungsminderung mean?
A Leistungsminderung (benefit reduction) means the Jobcenter pays less for a time, because it says you broke a duty.
die Leistungsminderung · die Leistungsminderungen (plural)
This can happen, for example, if you miss an appointment without an important reason or turn down reasonable work.
Before that, the Jobcenter usually has to hear you (Anhörung). Then explain your important reason and enclose proof.
How much and for how long the benefit is reduced is in the Bescheid. Since July 2026, the rules for this are stricter.
If you think the reduction is wrong, file a Widerspruch. The deadline is in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung.
Example sentence
Wegen des Meldeversäumnisses wird Ihr Grundsicherungsgeld für die Dauer eines Monats gemindert.
Because of the missed appointment (Meldeversäumnis), your Grundsicherungsgeld is reduced for one month.
What you can do
Always answer an Anhörung in writing and in time. Keep a copy.
Related words
- Bürgergeld Bürgergeld (citizen's income) was the Jobcenter's money for people who can work but lack enough to live on. It had this name until June 2026.
- Meldeversäumnis A Meldeversäumnis (missed appointment) means you did not come to an appointment at the Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit.
- Anhörung In an Anhörung (hearing), the office asks for your view before it decides.
- Widerspruch With a Widerspruch, you tell the office: I do not agree with this Bescheid.
- Einladung With an Einladung (invitation), an office invites you to an appointment. At the Jobcenter and the Agentur für Arbeit, you must attend.