Cost-of-living assistance
Are you currently unable to work for health reasons? If so, you may be eligible for this benefit.
You can apply for cost-of-living assistance directly online here.
Digital Application Assistant
Step 1
Digital Application Assistant: Find the relevant authority & submit an application
Use our wizard to find the right authority in just a few steps and submit your application straight away.
Please start by entering your place of residence so that we can show you the relevant information, application forms, your relevant authority and the applicable data protection regulations. We will then ask you four short questions to help us find the right authority for you.
In which town or parish do you live?
Residing within the special housing arrangement
Information on Filing an Application
Please enter your ZIP code. We will use the location you provide to determine whether you can submit an online application.
Fill out the online application. You can conveniently fill out the online form from home. You can simply take a photo of the required documents and upload them.
Submit your application online. Before doing so, please check to make sure you have provided all the necessary information and supporting documents correctly.
Please allow time for processing. If there are any follow-up questions or new information regarding your application, the responsible office will contact you.
Note on Data Storage
If you log in with your service account, you can save your application and continue it at a later time. Please note, however, that the information you have entered will only be saved for 24 hours. After 24 hours have elapsed, you will need to start the application over from the beginning.
Privacy Policy
You can find information on how your personal data is processed in the Privacy Policy for Cost-of-living Assistance.
In a nutshell
You are eligible for cost-of-living assistance—formerly known as social assistance—if you are temporarily unable to cover your living expenses, for example, due to illness.
To qualify for cost-of-living assistance, you must not be able to receive help from other people (for example, parents or family). In addition, you must prove that you have been unable to work more than 3 hours a day for more than 6 months—that is, that you have a reduced capacity to work.
Am I eligible?
You can apply for cost-of-living assistance if you are unable to fully cover your living expenses on your own or with the help of others (such as parents or children). You are also eligible if you have a full disability and cannot work regularly for at least 3 hours a day for the foreseeable future (more than 6 months).
Additional requirements are that you:
Required Documents
The scope of the required documentation—particularly regarding proof of income and assets—depends on the individual case. Your local social services office may require additional documents, such as recent bank statements, divorce decrees, asset transfer agreements, or maintenance orders.
However, if you wish to receive cost-of-living assistance, you will usually need to provide the following documentation:
Deadlines
If you need assistance, submit your application as soon as possible.
As a rule, Cost-of-living assistance is paid only from the date you submitted your application. Only in a few exceptional cases can you receive money for past periods.
That's how long it takes
The time required to process your application varies from case to case and may take several weeks.
It is important that you submit all required documentation as soon as possible and in its entirety.
These costs are incurred
Applying for cost-of-living assistance is free of charge.
