If you have no income or assets, or only a small amount, you can apply for basic income support in the form of one-time benefits under certain circumstances. Examples of situations in which you may be eligible for one-time benefits, subject to certain conditions, include when you:

• are expecting a child and therefore need new baby gear and clothing
• need to purchase furniture or household appliances for the first time or after a divorce or separation
• need orthopedic shoes or need to have them repaired
• need to have therapeutic devices or equipment repaired

In these and other cases, you can receive either a cash benefit or in-kind assistance—such as vouchers—from the Job Center.

Contact your local Jobcenter before submitting an application. In many cases, the Jobcenter uses its own application form; sometimes, an informal request with an explanation is sufficient.