What benefits do I have?
What should I know about the correct handling?

People who can prove that they have less money than what is necessary for securing their basic requirement in the region can have access to financial support by the government. The amount orientates for example to the average prices for food and rental costs and can therefore vary. You get to evidence a certificate from your local social security office. Depending on the severity of your need you can receive various benefits, for example, tickets for public transport and rental support or telephone charges. People with a very low income can also receive clothes, food or other item donations.

The social benefits for asylum seekers are regulated by the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG). This notes, for example, that every person needs at least enough money (or items) to cover their need of food, clothing, housing needs (excluding rent and heating costs) and health care. You will also receive a cash amount, which should allow you primarily to participate in cultural life. This is for instance intended for transport, education or leisure. The amounts also vary according to the age of children and adolescents as well as the size of the household. You can also request pecuniary benefits received as costs for interpreters, school equipment, such as books or school trips or passport procurement. After four years, asylum seekers are entitled to the usual social benefits as everyone with a German passport.

The payment of benefits is monthly and is designed to meet your personal needs. If you use up the money before the end of the month, you will not receive additional benefits by the Office. Please keep this in mind before you, for example, send money to your family abroad. If you have a work permit and earn money your wages will be credited to an allowance of 110 € per month. Any additional income or a full time position must be reported to the social services office immediately. If you do not report your earnings, the Office will recover overpaid benefits and also impose a fine.

In Germany, parents receive child benefit. This applies in particular circumstances for children over 18 years. The amount of child benefit is not dependent on parental income. Depending on the number of children the sum is staggered. There are special rules relating to the receipt of unemployment benefit and child benefit. For questions about the topic and applying for child support, please contact the family fund.Another special feature is the so-called parent - and child-raising allowance. This may be granted after the birth of a child until the end of the 14th month of life. Following this, an application can be made to state education benefit. Contact the youth welfare office of your region or counseling centers for migrants for more information on this subject.