Welfare & Basic Income Support

Is your income not enough to cover your living expenses because you are unable to work, can only work part-time, or are of retirement age? Do you have children and need extra money for school supplies or sports clubs? Here you’ll find appropriate assistance programs for these and similar situations.

Contents of this page

Illustration eines geöffneten Portemonnaies. Davor liegen ein paar Münzen.

Here you will find information on support services related to social assistance and basic income support. There are three types of basic income support benefits: basic income support if you are able to work more than 3 hours a day; basic welfare for the elderly and people with reduced earnings capacity if you have reached retirement age or are fully disabled; and cost-of-living assistance if your reduced earnings capacity is not permanent. In addition, there are other supplementary benefits, for example, related to housing, mobility, leisure activities, as well as education and participation opportunities for children and adolescents.

Services Related to Social Assistance and Basic Income Support

Illustration des Wegweisers. Vor ihm steht ein voller Einkaufskorb, dahinter sieht man ein Schild, auf dem Kasse steht. Eine Gedankenblase zeigt ein Haus.

Basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld)

If you do not have enough money to cover your living expenses, you may be eligible for basic income support. To receive it, you must either live in a household with a recipient of basic income support or be generally able to work. Learn more about basic income support here.

Eine illustrierte Figur steht an der Kasse mit Einkäufen.

Cost-of-living assistance

You are not permanently incapacitated for work or of retirement age, but are currently unable to work for health reasons? Then you may be entitled to this benefit. You can find out more here.

Die Wegweiserin, eine weibliche Figur mit schwarzen Haaren, rotem Shirt und weißer Hose steht vor einem Sessel. Auf diesem liegt ein Hund. Die Figur wirft Geld in ein Portemonnaie, das auf dem Tisch neben dem Sessel steht.

Basic welfare for the elderly and people with reduced earnings capacity

If you receive a pension or are permanently incapacitated for work and your money is not enough to cover your living costs, you can apply for this type of basic income support. You can find more information here.

Illustrierte Wegweiserin, Frau mit schwarzen Haaren zeigt auf eine Wand mit Kleidung an Haken, einem Rollator, Umzugskartons und einer Babytrage.

One-time needs

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.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie steht neben Häusern. Darüber schwebt ein Haken.

Social housing eligibility certificate

If you have a low income and would like to rent an affordable, subsidized apartment, you can apply for a social housing eligibility certificate. Learn more here.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie hält einen Taschenrechner in ihrer linken Hand. Mit der rechten Hand zeigt sie auf den Taschenrechner. Davor schwebt die Illustration eines Mietvertrags.

Assumption of Rent Arrears

If you have rent arrears and could lose your apartment as a result, the Social Welfare Office or the Job Center may, under certain conditions, cover your rent arrears in the form of a loan. You can find more information here.

Go directly to the application form

Other Areas of Expertise

Der Wegweiser, eine Illustration eines mannes mit kurzen schwarzen Haaren, sitzt an einem Schreibtisch. Vor ihm ein Computer. Seine Arme sind angewinkelt und nach oben gerichtet- über ihm schweben Symbole für Arbeitsbranchen. Eine Schere für Friseurhandwerk, Werkzeug, eine Kochmütze und ein Aktenkoffer.

Unemployment & Job Search

Don't have enough money to cover your living expenses? Are you able and willing to work but currently unable to find a job? Or do you have a small income that isn't enough? If any of these situations apply to you, you'll find the right resources on this page.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie steht vor einem Sideboard. Über dem Sideboard sind Bilder an der Wand zu sehen. Über ihrer linken Hand schwebt ein Schlüssel.

Living

Can't (or can no longer) afford your housing costs, are you looking for affordable accommodation or are you threatened with losing your home? Here, both tenants and owners can find services that can help with housing.

Die Wegweiserin schaut aus einem Tablet heraus, welches an einen Stapel Bücher angelehnt horizontal aufgestellt ist. Sie zeigt auf Symbole, die mit der Schule zusammenhängen.

School, studies, training

Would you like to graduate from school, study or do an apprenticeship and need financial support? Then you can apply for various types of financial aid. You can find more information on this page.

illustration des Wegweisers. Er sitzt mit einem Buch n der Hand in einem Sessel.Daneben steht eine Babywiege. Vor ihm liegen Kinderspielzeuge.

Benefits for Families

Do you have one or more children and need assistance, for example, with covering living expenses, education, or recreational activities? If so, you’ll find the right benefits on this page.

Die illustrierte Wegweiserin steht vor einem Flugzeug, neben ihr stehen Koffer.In der Hand hält sie einen Pass, mit der linken Hand zeigt sie auf eine Karte von Deutschland.

Migration & Asylum

You have come to Germany from a non-EU country or a third country and need help, for example to finance your living expenses? Then you will find the right help on this page.

Der Wegweiser schiebt einen Rollstuhl. Vor ihm liegt ein Hund.

Health & Care

Do you need help because you are currently unable to work due to an illness? Or do you need support for special needs, for example due to a disability? On this page you will find suitable offers of help to support you or your relatives in the areas of health and care.