Recipients of social assistance or Hartz IV can of course also become heirs, be entitled to a compulsory portion or receive a legacy. The heir, beneficiary of a compulsory portion or legatee must then immediately notify the office of their entitlement and the office will discontinue social assistance or Hartz IV benefits for the future, as the inheritance means that they are no longer in need.
According to established case law, the inheritance is „income“ within the meaning of § 11 Para. 1 SGB II and is not regarded as assets with corresponding allowances (BSG, most recently: judgement of 29 April 2015, B 14 AS 10/14 R). If the inherited assets are not liquid because they essentially consist of tangible assets (e.g. property, car), the person entitled to social assistance must realise the assets in order to secure their needs. As long as this is not done, there is no need for assistance and they will not receive any social benefits (decision of the Saxony-Anhalt Regional Social Court dated 27 October 2015, case reference L 4 AS 652/15 B).