Citizen's income
Basic income support for jobseekers of working age and their family members, providing financial assistance to cover their living costs.
Course description
Basic income support for jobseekers who are capable of work and their family members, provided in the form of financial benefits to cover their living expenses.
Entitlement to basic income support
- all persons in need of assistance who are capable of work, aged 15 and over up to the statutory age limit of between 65 and 67
- who have their habitual residence in the Federal Republic of Germany.
People who are not of working age (for example, children under the age of 15) receive basic income support if at least one person of working age who is entitled to benefits lives in their household.
A person is considered to be in need of assistance if they are unable to cover their living expenses, either in full or to a sufficient extent, through their own income and/or assets. In the case of people living in a benefit household, their partner’s income and assets must also be taken into account. Income generally comprises all receipts in cash or of monetary value, such as earnings from work, maintenance payments, child benefit or voluntary contributions from third parties.
People who have permanently withdrawn from working life due to old age (65 years) or a permanent reduction in earning capacity, and who cannot support themselves through their own income and assets, should apply for basic income support.
Level of benefits
The amount of benefits under SGB II is calculated on the basis of the standard rate of need, which covers all personal requirements for living expenses (food, clothing, personal hygiene, household goods, etc.) as well as reasonable accommodation costs and any additional needs. Any existing monthly income is deducted from the needs calculated in this way.
Period of entitlement
Basic income support is generally granted upon application for a period of six months.
Where to apply
- Applications must be submitted to the Jobcentre at the relevant local social services centre.
- Homeless residents of Munich should contact the ‘Central Homeless Assistance ’ department at the Office for Housing and Migration. This department is responsible for the entire city area.
Special provisions
For people under the age of 25, additional requirements must be met if they intend to move house or leave their parents’ home.
Required documents
Proof of
- Income
- Assets
- Accommodation costs
- Identity cards or passports of all household members
Legal basis
Social Security Code II (SGB II)
