Supporting young people who are difficult to reach

Are you between 15 and 25 years old and currently in a difficult life situation, for example because you cannot find a job or training place? Here you will find information on how this support can help you to complete a qualification, find a job or receive social benefits.
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Finishing school, finding an apprenticeship or job, organizing your own household and home - growing up can be a big challenge. With individual support, it can be done!

The most important facts

If you are a young person in a difficult life situation, there is support for hard-to-reach young people.  

This support can help you to overcome your personal difficulties if

  • you have not yet received any support,
  • you will soon no longer be entitled to the support you have received so far or
  • you have not received enough support so far.

 

For example, you can find a job or training place, apply for social benefits such as citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld) or receive other help.

 

The support is a voluntary care and support service specifically for young people aged between 15 and 25. You can receive support if you find yourself in a difficult life situation. 
 

This includes, for example

  • lack of school-leaving qualifications
  • No job or training place
  • (impending) homelessness
  • Family conflicts
  • Financial problems or debts
  • Health problems or addiction problems

The type of support will be discussed with you individually. Counseling is voluntary and confidential. You are not obliged to do anything afterwards.

Examples of possible assistance

  • Examples of possible assistance
  • Help in the family environment
  • Financial support
  • Creating everyday structures
  • Support in the search for accommodation or in consolidating the housing situation
  • Accompanying visits to authorities
  • Initiating medical treatment
  • Strengthening social relationships
  • Making it possible to catch up on school-leaving qualifications
  • Help with the search for a job or training position

Who is entitled?

To receive support for hard-to-reach young people, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are between 15 and 25 years old
  • You receive citizen's allowance or are very likely to receive it in the foreseeable future
  • You currently have no contact with social benefit providers or advice centers, such as the youth welfare office
  • Due to your individual problem situation, you have difficulties
    • complete a school, training-related or vocational qualification
    • to take up employment in other ways
    • apply for or accept social benefits

You are not entitled to the benefit if you

  • are over 25 years of age or under 15 years of age
  • do not receive a citizen's benfits (Bürgergeld) and will not receive it in the foreseeable future
  • already have contact with social benefit providers or advice centers

Frequently asked questions about benefits for hard-to-reach young people

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Apply Online

Here you can apply directly online for benefits for hard-to-reach young people. 

More information on benefits for hard-to-reach young people

Social benefits from other areas

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Citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld)

If you do not have enough money to cover your living expenses, you may be entitled to citizen's allowance. In order to receive it, you must either live in a community of need with a citizen's allowance recipient or generally be able to work. If this does not apply to you, you can apply for assistance with living expenses or basic income support.

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Child Benefit (Kindergeld)

Parents and guardians are entitled to receive child benefit from the state starting with their first child. Find out here whether you qualify for child benefit and how you can apply.