These benefits are intended to ensure that the basic necessities of human existence are met, such as food, clothing, personal hygiene, household goods, household energy, personal needs of daily life, as well as adequate housing and heating. The benefits—with the exception of housing and heating—are provided as lump-sum payments in the form of 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,
• raising children as a single parent,
• costly 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 expense 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 fulfilled 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.

Some people do not have enough money or possessions.
These people can receive assistance to cover their living expenses.

To qualify, they must demonstrate that:
They truly have no money.

There’s a technical term for financial assistance to cover living expenses.
The technical term is: social assistance.

Social assistance is a form of support.
Social assistance is intended to cover basic needs.
Basic needs include, for example:

• Food
• Clothing
• Personal hygiene
• Housing

Would you like to apply?
To do so, you’ll need certain documents.
You can get the forms at the office.

There are fixed amounts for social assistance.
These amounts are called the “standard rate.”
Sometimes you need more money.
In that case, you’ll receive more money.
This is called “additional needs.”

Health insurance and long-term care insurance premiums are important.