These benefits are intended to ensure that basic human needs are met, such as food, clothing, personal hygiene, household goods, household energy, personal needs of daily life, as well as adequate housing and heating. With the exception of housing and heating, benefits are provided as lump-sum standard rates. Individual grants are considered only under special circumstances.

In addition, additional needs due to

• age and proof of the “G” designation,
• full incapacity for work and proof of the “G” designation,
• pregnancy,
• single-parent households,
• expensive dietary requirements due to illness, and
• Hot water in the case of a decentralized hot water supply

shall be recognized.

In addition, reasonable health and long-term care insurance premiums may be taken into account.

Living expenses assistance is available to individuals in need who are not eligible for basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity, Unemployment Benefit II, or social assistance (i.e., who are capable of working within the meaning of the Social Code – Book II (SGB II) or who live in a household with a person capable of working).

Social assistance is a secondary benefit provided to individuals who are unable to support themselves. Claims against third parties—particularly maintenance claims—must generally be pursued first. If these claims are not satisfied in a timely manner and social assistance must therefore be provided, the claims are transferred, under certain conditions, to the responsible agency, which can then assert them on its own behalf.

You can obtain further information and counseling from the responsible agency.