As a student or pupil, it can be difficult to meet the cost of living and housing. Fortunately, there is the option of applying for student support (BAföG) or living allowance. But when are you actually entitled to living allowance? Here you can find out in which situations you can receive living allowance and what you need to bear in mind.
You can check exactly which social benefits you are entitled to with our LeistungsLotse application. Check here what you are entitled to. Check now!
Living allowance despite BAföG entitlement?
Many students assume that they cannot receive a living allowance because of their BAföG entitlement. This is true in most cases, as the principle is that BAföG takes precedence over living allowance.
But if you receive BAföG as a full loan, e.g. as part of the graduation grant, you have the option of applying for living allowance. Even if you are dependent on the loan for a while due to a second change of subject, you can apply for living allowance.
Even if you can apply for BAföG, it may be possible to receive living allowance in certain constellations. This applies, for example, if you live with your partner who receives a low income or BAföG as a loan. Living allowance is also possible if you live with a partner and children.
Not entitled to BAföG? Chances of living allowance!
If you are not entitled to BAföG as a student, you may be eligible for living allowance. Here are some reasons why you can still receive living allowance without BAföG:
Your are not eligible because you are studying at a school that is not recognised by the state or you are studying part-time.
You are already in a second vocational training programme or a second degree course and the requirements for BAföG are not met.
You changed your field of study too late or the reason for the change was not recognised.
You did not submit your transcript of records on time.
You were over 45 years old at the start of your studies and do not fulfil any of the conditions that justify BAföG entitlement.
You receive a scholarship from one of the major scholarship organisations. You can find a list here.
Please note: If you do not receive BAföG because your income, your assets or those of your parents are too high, you will not receive a living allowance.
What to consider when applying for living allowance
Always apply for living allowance for the entire household
If you are entitled to living allowance and live in a household in with other people, you must note that living allowance is always applied for the entire household. The person who has signed the tenancy agreement is always entitled to apply. If you live in a shared flat and have all signed the contract, each person can apply for housing benefit individually, as shared flats do not count as a one household. Living allowance is granted for a rented flat as a so-called rent subsidy, if you own the flat as a so-called encumbrance allowance.
Which household members count?
How much living allowance your household receives depends on the number of household members. Household members are all persons who live with you in a "community of responsibility", e.g. partner, children or close relatives. However, flatmates or subtenants who do not have a family relationship with you do not count.
How is the rent taken into account?
The gross cold rent is taken into account when calculating the living allowance, i.e. the cold rent plus ancillary costs such as rubbish collection and water. Certain costs are deducted, for example for rooms used for business purposes or shares paid by subtenants.
Income and the amount of housing benefit
In addition to the number of household members and the rent, income also plays a role. Living allowances are only available if the income is below a certain maximum limit. This limit depends on the rent level and the size of the household. However, the minimum income can be a bigger problem. If you earn too little, you will not receive living allowance as it is only intended as a rent subsidy, not to finance your living expenses.
Note: If you do not reach the minimum income for living allowance, for example, you could be entitled to citizens allowance.
Use the housing benefit calculator
To find out how much living allowance you can expect, use our living allowance calculator. This already provides a good estimate of how much living allowance you can expect.
Application and processing times
You can apply for housing benefit at the housing benefit office of your municipality or city administration. Processing times can vary depending on the region, often taking up to 7 months. You should therefore submit your application as early as possible in order to receive your living allowance on time.
Conclusion
Even though it is often difficult for students to receive a living allowance, there are still opportunities under certain conditions, especially for students without BAföG. Check carefully whether you or your household fall into one of the exceptional cases and apply for your living allowance in good time.
You can check exactly which social benefit you are entitled to with our benefits guide application. Check here what you are entitled to. Check now!