Students and pupils whose education can normally be funded by student support (BAföG) are usually not entitled to citizens allowance. However, there are exceptions and special regulations that you should be aware of in order to apply for the right support in difficult situations. Here you can find out when you can receive citizens allowance, what exceptions there are and how special circumstances can affect your entitlement.
You can check exactly which social benefit you are entitled to with our LeistungsLotse application. Check now!
Principle: No citizens allowance for students and pupils
The principle is simple: If you are eligible for BAföG, you will not receive citizens allowance. This also applies, if you are not actually receiving BAföG. The decisive factor is that your training would be eligible, i.e. that you could get BAföG. This includes, for example, first degree at public universities or school-based training courses that take up all your time.
Note: The exclusion only applies to benefits to secure your livelihood. You can still apply for other benefits, such as special additional needs in special circumstances.
Exceptions: When you can still receive citizens allowance
There are some exceptions where you can receive citizens allowance despite being eligible for BAföG:
Your training is not eligible for BAföG funding
If you are not eligible for BAföG, you can receive citizens allowance. This applies, for example, to:
Pupils in grades 1-9.
Pupils from grade 10, who live with their parents and whose education does not require them to have completed vocational training.
Students in an official part-time study programmes.
In such cases, you can apply for citizens allowance if your livelihood is not otherwise secured, provided you are at least 15 years old.
Special groups of pupils and students
Some pupils and students can receive citizens allowance under certain conditions, such as
Pupils from year 10 who do not live with their parents and do not receive BAföG.
Students who receive BAföG or do not receive BAföG due to income and assets.
These groups can apply for citizens allowance if they are in a situation of particular hardship. This may be the case if BAföG is not enough to live on and you are unable to work for health reasons, for instance.
Interrupting your education due to illness, pregnancy or raising children
Do you have to interrupt your education due to illness, pregnancy or raising children? Then you can apply for citizens allowance after a certain period. If you take an interruption of up to three months, you will continue to receive BAföG. If the interruption lasts longer, you can apply for citizens allowance. However, it may be worth cancelling BAföG beforehand and applying for citizens allowance, as you will often receive more.
Special cases of hardship
In cases of special hardship, you can receive citizens allowance despite exclusion. These benefits are often granted as a loan and cover standard benefits, accommodation costs and health and care insurance allowance.
Citizens allowance 2024: amount and additional requirements
In 2024, the citizens allowance rates were increased by 12%. How much you receive depends on your individual income and assets.
Even if you do not receive citizens allowance for living expenses, you can claim certain additional needs in special circumstances, such as
Additional needs for expectant mothers from the 13th week of pregnancy.
Additional needs for single parents.
Additional needs for special medical nutrition.
Initial equipment for pregnancy and birth.
You can apply for these additional needs regardless of whether you receive BAföG or not.
If you live with children, you can apply for citizens allowance for them under certain circumstances, for example if you have no other means of support.
Differences to Hartz IV and social assistance
The citizens allowance has replaced the former unemployment benefit II ("Hartz IV"). Some regulations have been adjusted, such as higher asset allowances and a waiting period for higher rents in the first year of receipt. There are also new sanction options.
People who are unable to work and do not live with a person in need of assistance who is able to work can continue to receive social assistance. This also applies to students and pupils who are ill for longer than six months or who are unable to work due to a disability.
Conclusion
Students and pupils are generally not entitled to citizens allowance if their education is eligible for BAföG funding. However, there are important exceptions and special circumstances that may still entitle you to citizens allowance.
Note: If you have the option of applying for citizens allowance, it can be worthwhile as the amount is generally higher.
You can check exactly which social benefit you are entitled to with our LeistungsLotse application. Check now!