Social Assistance - Benefits Under SGB XII

Who is eligible for these benefits?

People of working age who are temporarily unable to work (as determined by a temporary, total disability within the meaning of the pension insurance system) are eligible for subsistence assistance. These include, for example, recipients of a temporary disability pension or old-age pensioners who have not yet reached the age of 65.

Livelihood assistance must be granted to anyone who cannot, or cannot sufficiently, provide for their necessary living expenses through their own efforts and resources—primarily from their income and assets. Therefore, you are only eligible for this assistance if you are no longer able to work, do not receive a sufficient pension or benefits from other social security providers, or if your alimony payments are too low. Assistance for living expenses is granted according to standard rates (the corresponding standard needs level based on age).

With a few exceptions, the former one-time benefits (under the Federal Social Assistance Act), such as clothing and household goods, have also been incorporated into the respective standard needs levels. One-time benefits are now only available, for example, for initial provisions upon the birth of a child. The flat-rate system gives beneficiaries greater independence and personal responsibility.

Ongoing assistance with living expenses also covers the actual costs of housing (e.g., rent) and ongoing heating costs, provided they are not unreasonable.

Calculation of Benefit Amounts Under SGB XII

In principle, you are required to use all of your income to cover your needs. Certain types of income, such as the basic pension under the Federal Pension Act, are not taken into account.

The assistance to be granted in each individual case is calculated as the difference between your needs (standard needs level plus additional needs supplements plus reasonable housing costs) and your countable income.

Please inquire about details when submitting your application.

Submitting an Application

Please fill out the application form as completely as possible. When you visit our specialized service, we’ll be happy to help you complete the information on the application form.

When applying for benefits under SGB XII, you must provide complete information about your personal and financial circumstances.

This information must be supported, as far as possible, by supporting documents such as

• pension notice
• housing allowance notice
• proof of child support
• proof of assets (savings accounts, life insurance policies, statements from home savings accounts, vehicle registration, etc.)
• Rental agreement and current rent
• Identity card or passport

must be provided. Additional documentation may be requested if necessary.