Social & Basic welfare

After a serious illness such as long Covid, it can take a long time before you are sufficiently recovered to be able to work normally. If you are unable to work for 3 hours a day, you will be supported by the assistance for living expenses until you feel better again.

Are you receiving your pension but don’t have enough money to get by? Or are you younger but unable to work for health-related reasons? If so, you may be entitled to claim basic financial welfare for the elderly and people with reduced earnings capacity.

If you receive assistance with living expenses or basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity, you may be entitled to this benefit - for example, if you need maternity clothes. You can find more information here.

If you are on a low income and are looking for social housing, you can apply for a social housing eligibility certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein or WBS). Here you can find out what the requirements for a social housing eligibility certificate are and where you can apply for one.

If you fall into arrears on your rent and are therefore at risk of losing your home, social services or the Jobcenter may be able to assume your rent arrears under certain circumstances. This service is usually provided in the form of a loan. 

In Germany, children, teens and young adults are supposed to have equal opportunities. Education and participation in social and cultural activities are important factors in ensuring equal opportunity. For this reason, the state provides benefits to support education and participation. This is also known as the education and participation package.