In debt and now?

As of 1 October 2023, the over-indebtedness rate for the whole of Germany was 8.15 percent according to the Debtor Atlas published by the Creditreform credit agency. This means that more than 5.6 million people over the age of 18 were over-indebted at that time and had long-term payment problems. At 11.14 per cent, the rate in the Salzland district was lower than in the previous year (11.54 per cent), but still well above the national average.

"Debt relief can take the form of debt counselling or consumer insolvency proceedings," explains Andreas Boennen, Head of the Salzlandkreis Job Centre. The job centre also offers a contact point for out-of-court or social debt counselling, which is open to all citizens.

The garnishment protection account is available to ensure that the debtor and their dependants have a reasonable standard of living. The so-called P-account is a current account that is used for normal payment transactions. Initially, the P-account is automatically protected against seizure. From 1 July 2024, the basic allowance for credit balances will be 1,500.00 euros per calendar month. Additional amounts, e.g. for other persons for whom there is a maintenance obligation or persons for whom benefits are claimed in accordance with SGB II or SGB XII (communities of need) or child benefit/child benefit supplement, can be released on presentation of proof. Further information on the subject of debt relief or P-accounts can be obtained from the debt counselling staff at the Salzlandkreis Job Centre.

Debt counselling is a help and advice service aimed at people in or over-indebted and their relatives with the aim of achieving adequate debt settlement. If necessary, contact can be established with further insolvency counselling centres.

Those seeking advice are asked to make an appointment by telephone or e-mail. The debt counsellors at the Salzlandkreis Job Centre can be reached at the individual locations as follows:

Further information on contact persons at the Salzlandkreis Job Centre can be found on the homepage at www.jc.salzlandkreis.de.