Hilfe zum Lebensunterhalt / Bremerhaven

You may be entitled to assistance with living expenses in accordance with the Social Security Code XII,

if you are temporarily unable to work as defined by the pension insurance provider and

if you do not receive any or a sufficient temporary pension.

Benefits to secure livelihoods, known as subsistence benefits, are divided between SGB II and SGB XII.

Persons capable of work and their dependants receive benefits under SGB II. A person is capable of earning if they can work at least 3 hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labor market.

Persons who are temporarily unable to work receive benefits in accordance with SGB XII. The pension insurance provider determines the ability to work.

If the husband/wife or partner receives benefits under SGB II, there is no entitlement to benefits under SGB XII. An application must then be submitted to the Jobcenter in accordance with SGB II.

Assistance with living expenses in accordance with SGB XII is granted if the necessary living expenses cannot be met or cannot be met sufficiently from the person's own resources and means, in particular income and assets. Assistance with living expenses is paid monthly in advance as a lump sum.

From January 1, 2024, the following standard requirement levels apply

RBS 1: 563 euros
RBS 2: 506 euros
RBS 3: 451 euros
RBS 4: 471 euros
RBS 5: 390 euros
RBS 6: 357 euros

Single parents are entitled to an additional needs supplement, which is regulated in § 30 SGB XII.

If necessary, further additional needs can be granted, which must be applied for and justified on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, the appropriate costs for accommodation and heating are paid if required.

• Proof of loading

  All load certificates, such as

  Rental agreement including proof of rental payments,

  Proof of any additional energy costs to be paid (electricity, water, gas)

  Proof of the respective health insurance, gffs. contribution invoice etc.,

• Statement of assets

  e.g. savings books, life insurance, car, etc.  

• Bank details
• valid identity card or passport (original, no copy)
• Valid residence permit

  In case of foreign citizenship. With additional sheet, if necessary.

• proof of income and assets of the applicant

  All proof of income and assets, e.g. pension statements, alimony, other social benefits, savings books, life insurance, car

• No or insufficient temporary pension
• habitual residence in the Federal Republic of Germany

The application can be submitted in writing, by telephone or in person without observing any formal requirements. The required application documents must then be submitted promptly and in full.

The social welfare office provides an application form for applying for SGB XII benefits. This is usually completed by the caseworker together with the applicant.

No benefits can be granted for days before the application is submitted.