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  • Policy Paper
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Social Aid in Times of Crisis

Published
July 15, 2023
Authors

  • Moritz Rüppel

  • Dr. Andrea Paulus

  • Anna Oostendorp

  • Johann Gutzmer

  • Mansour Aalam

  • Louisa Bayerlein
Contact
Vanessa von Hilchen
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Summary

In times of multiple crises, many households are facing additional financial burdens due to increased prices, to which policymakers must respond. With the aim of providing unbureaucratic and rapid assistance, the German government is focusing on relief measures that do not require means testing. This expands its scope for action, enabling it to respond quickly to exceptional situations. 

Our policy paper ‘Social aid in times of crisis – high potential for approval of waiving means tests’ examines how citizens view the abolition of means tests and shows how the potential for approval of this type of policy can be exploited. 

Key Findings

  • Citizens’ attitudes towards means testing are inconsistent. While they initially support it, this preference shifts when specific cases are evaluated. Information about the effectiveness of non-means-tested benefits further increases support for abandoning means testing. 
  • The main driver of attitudes towards means testing is the respondents’ sense of fairness. In the public perception, means testing functions as an instrument for ensuring fairness in terms of needs, but it appears to be interchangeable as a measure as long as this purpose is fulfilled in other ways. 
  • The redistributive effect of non-means-tested relief measures is often underestimated. If the progressive effect is communicated, the majority supports such policies. 
  • Overall, the potential for support for waiving means tests is around 74 percent. 

Team

Mansour Aalam

Director

As director of the ZSP, Mansour Aalam is guided by the conviction that all people should have access to good and fair opportunities in life. To this end, he is committed to designing sustainable social systems.

Louisa Bayerlein

Dr. Andrea Paulus

Anna Oostendorp

Johann Gutzmer

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