Abstract

Against the backdrop of current reform debates on the reasonableness of work under § 10 SGB II, this research report examines the typical distances between residence and workplace when recipients of basic income support take up new employment. The analysis is based on administrative data from IEB and LHG for 2022 and survey data from the OPAL panel. The focus is on employable SGB II recipients who move into employment subject to social insurance. Most employment starts occur near the place of residence: in 69% of cases, the distance is less than 15 km. In 8.7% of cases, it exceeds 100 km – in many of these cases, a relocation is likely. Average distances vary by group: single parents, parents of minors, older individuals, and those with health issues tend to stay closer to home; in contrast, young, single, or highly qualified persons are more likely to accept distant jobs. Similar patterns appear in OPAL survey responses regarding mobility willingness. The findings suggest that the existing legal exemptions in § 10(2) SGB II align with empirically observable mobility constraints. To improve job placement outcomes,