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Eligibility criteria

Who can receive subsistence benefits?

Eligible persons include employable dependents aged 15 to 65 or 67 (pursuant to Section 7a SGB II).

Anyone who can work at least three hours a day is eligible.

Dependents are those who cannot support themselves or their family via their own means (e.g. by undertaking a reasonable employment activity, with their income or assets).

Persons who live with the applicant in a needs-based community may also receive benefits.

A needs-based community includes an employable person eligible for benefits as well as

  • their partner (spouse or civil partner)
  • their unmarried children up to the age of 25
  • children under the age of 26 living in the same household as a parent upon application

Who is not eligible for benefits?

The following persons are not eligible for benefits pursuant to the Social Code II (examples):

  • pensioners already entitled to a pension by the age of 66, including a foreign pension
  • Foreigners unable to obtain a work permit and that do not live in a needs-based community with at least one employable dependent;
  • Those entitled to benefits under the Benefits for Asylum Seekers Act (e.g. asylum seekers and tolerated refugees);
    Those who are permanently unable to work after the age of 18;
  • Those who are temporarily unable to work after the age of 18;

Another state welfare benefits apply for these people requiring assistance.

When you are entitled to benefits

  • Fit for work

  • In need of support

  • Aged 15 - 67

  • Pensioners under 65

  • Foreigners without a work permit

  • Asylum seekers

Cash benefits