The Social assistance in Germany serves as a social safety net for people who are unable to support themselves from their own resources and have no overriding entitlement to other social benefits. It is regulated in the Twelfth Book of the German Social Code (SGB XII) and is intended to ensure a dignified life and social participation.
Social welfare benefits
Social assistance comprises various benefits that are geared towards the individual needs of those requiring assistance:
-Assistance with living expensesFor people who are neither able to work nor of pensionable age and are unable to support themselves.
-Basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacityFor people who have reached retirement age or are permanently fully incapacitated for work.
-Help with healthAssumption of costs for medical services if there is no health insurance.
-Help with careSupport for people in need of care who cannot bear the costs of care themselves.
-Help to overcome particular social difficultiesFor people who are socially disadvantaged due to special living conditions.
-Help in other life situationsFor example, support in the form of initial equipment for the home or during pregnancy and childbirth.
Standard requirements and requirement levels
The amount of social assistance is based on the so-called standard needs, which are adjusted annually. The standard rates were increased on January 1, 2024. Single adults now receive 563 Euro monthly.
The standard requirements are divided into different levels:
-Standard requirement level 1Single or single-parent adults.
-Standard requirement level 2Couples and need communities, per partner.
-Standard requirement levels 3 to 6For children and young people, graded according to age.
Requirements for receiving social assistance
In order to receive social assistance, certain conditions must be met:
-Need for assistanceThere must not be sufficient income or assets to cover living expenses.
-No priority claimsThere are no entitlements to other social benefits such as unemployment benefit II (citizen's allowance) or pension benefits.
-ResidenceThe habitual residence must be in Germany.
Application
Social assistance must be applied for at the local social welfare office. You will also receive advice and support with the application there.
Current developments
Social assistance is regularly adjusted to the current cost of living in order to ensure a decent minimum subsistence level. As of January 1, 2024, the standard rates were increased significantly to take account of the increased cost of living.
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