Applying for citizens allowance: Frequently asked questions and answers
The citizens allowance is the central social benefit for people in Germany who are able to work and cannot cover their own living expenses. It has replaced the former Hartz IV since 2023 and is intended to provide financial support as well as prospects for professional reintegration. But how do you apply for citizens allowance, who is eligible and what documents are required? In this article we provide answers to the most important questions - compact, understandable and up-to-date.
The citizens allowance ensures a minimum subsistence level.
People aged 15 and over who are capable of work and resident in Germany are entitled to it if their income/assets are insufficient.
The application can be made online, in writing, by telephone or in person at the job centre.
Documents required include ID, tenancy agreement, bank statements, proof of income and health insurance certificate.
The job centre checks the income, assets and housing costs of the community of need to calculate the benefit.
Once approved, the citizens allowance is paid monthly in advance, combined with measures to promote employment.
The legal basis is SGB II; in the event of rejection, there is the possibility of an objection or summary proceedings.
The citizens allowance is a basic income support benefit under Book II of the German Social Code (SGB II). It serves to secure the minimum subsistence level and supports people who are able to work but are dependent on financial assistance. The benefit covers the so-called standard needs for living expenses as well as the costs of rent and heating. Additional needs, such as for single parents or for necessary costly food, can also be granted.
In addition to financial help, the citizens allowance offers access to support services from the job centre - such as job search, further training or coaching with the aim of getting back on one's feet as quickly as possible.
In principle, anyone who fulfils the following requirements can apply for citizens allowance:
Earning capacity: Applicants must be in good health and able to work at least three hours a day.
Age: Between 15 years and the statutory retirement age (so-called age limit).
Residence: The habitual residence must be in Germany.
Need for assistance: Your own income or assets are not sufficient to cover your living expenses.
Refugees with recognised asylum status and a valid work permit as well as citizens of EU countries with a right of residence and a work permit can also apply for citizens allowance.
Tip: If you are still in the asylum process, you can alternatively apply for benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. As soon as you have a valid residence permit, you can apply for citizens allowance if you are in need of assistance.
Various documents are required to apply for citizens allowance. These include in particular
Valid identity card or passport with registration certificate
Tenancy agreement and current heating and utility bills
Bank statements for the last three months (six months for self-employed persons)
Membership certificate from the health insurance company or health insurance card
Proof of income, if income is available (e.g. employment contract, payslips)
If necessary, further evidence such as school certificates, proof of maintenance or proof of existing insurance policies
An application for citizens allowance can be made either online, in writing, by telephone or in person at the relevant job centre. One method of digital application is via the user account at the Federal Employment Agency:
Register or log in to the Federal Employment Agency's online portal.
Fill in the application form and upload all the necessary supporting documents.
Wait for the job centre to check your application.
Receive notification as soon as all documents have been submitted in full.
The job centre usually offers a personal consultation, during which possible support measures are also discussed.
You can also submit your application easily to LeistungsLotse.
It usually takes around 14 working days to process a complete application. It is important that all documents are submitted completely and correctly - incomplete applications can lead to delays.
The entitlement to benefits is based on the personal and economic circumstances of the applicant and the entire community of need. The following factors are included in the calculation:
Income: This includes salaries, income from self-employment, capital gains, maintenance payments and other incoming money. If you have no income or your income is significantly below your basic demand, you will generally receive citizens allowance. However, part of your income will always be taken into account.
Assets: Assets such as cash, savings or shares can reduce the entitlement if they exceed the allowances. There is an allowance of 40,000 euros in the first year (waiting period) for the first person and 15,000 euros for each additional person. After the first year, the allowance for everyone is only 15,000 euros.
Basic demand: Depends on age, marital status and living situation (e.g. single person, couple, children). For single adults it is around 563 euros.
Costs for accommodation and heating: Reasonable housing costs are also covered. Here too, there is no review of appropriateness during the first year. After that, around 40 - 50 square metres for one person and around 10 - 15 square metres for each additional person are appropriate. The rent must not be too expensive either.
One-off income is taken into account in the month in which it is received. As a general rule, the higher the eligible income and assets, the lower the citizens allowance.
Tip: Use our needs calculator to determine whether your income is below your needs. If this is the case, you are certainly entitled to citizens allowance. However, if your income is higher than this, you may be entitled to living allowance and supplementary child allowance.
As soon as the job centre has approved the application, the citizens allowance is transferred monthly in advance to the specified account. As a rule, the first payment is made at the beginning of the month following approval.
At the same time, cooperation with the job centre begins. Beneficiaries are obliged to participate in measures that serve the purpose of professional integration - for example by applying for jobs, undergoing further training or taking part in integration programmes.
The legal basis for citizens allowance is SGB II. The application procedure is free of charge and can also be started informally - a personal appearance is not mandatory. If the application is rejected, an appeal can be lodged within one month. In urgent cases, there is also the possibility of summary proceedings before the social court.
| Features |
Recommended
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Public Online Services | Other Private Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple, comprehensible process | |||
| Eligibility assessment with calculator & guide | |||
| Digital transfer to responsible authority | |||
| No double data entry | |||
| Secure digital process with high data protection standards | |||
| All benefits in one portal |
The citizens allowance is a central instrument of social security in Germany. It offers not only financial assistance, but also comprehensive support in (re-)entering working life. Anyone wishing to apply for citizens allowance should check the requirements carefully and submit all the necessary documents in full. The online application in particular offers a simple and time-saving way to receive financial assistance.
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