Citizen's Income / Basic Income Support; Applying for One-Time Benefits

If you have no income or assets, or only a small amount, you may apply for a one-time citizen’s allowance in certain situations. Situations in which you may be eligible for one-time benefits include, for example, when:

• You are expecting a child and therefore need new baby supplies and clothing.
• You need furniture or household appliances for the first time, or need to purchase new ones following a divorce or separation.
• You need orthopedic shoes or need to have them repaired.
• You need to have therapeutic devices or equipment repaired.

In these and other cases, you can apply to the Job Center for either a cash benefit or a benefit in kind, such as vouchers.

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. The amount of one-time benefits may vary by region.

• You are able to work.
• You are currently unable to cover your living expenses, and it is likely that you will remain unable to do so for the next 6 months.

For one-time benefits, contact your local Jobcenter by phone, email, or in person. There, you will receive further information and an application form, if you need one. Alternatively, you can apply for the benefits online using the digital application for Bürgergeld.

• Fill out the application form or write an informal application stating your reasons, depending on the requirements of your local Jobcenter.
• Send the application to the Jobcenter. In it, you must demonstrate your need for benefits. Include the necessary documents requested by the Jobcenter that substantiate your need and are required for review.
• The Job Center will review your application. This may require documentation from third parties, such as your landlord, to determine whether you are eligible for one-time benefits. Ultimately, the agency will make a decision on a case-by-case basis.
• You will then receive a notice from the Job Center. There are three possible outcomes:
  • the application is approved,
  • the application is partially approved,
  • the application is denied.

The Job Center will pay you the approved amount or send you the benefit in kind, such as a voucher.

These one-time benefits are (in part) provided under the jurisdiction of local authorities, namely the independent cities and counties. The amount of the benefits may therefore vary by region.

Submit your application before making any purchases, as one-time benefits are provided only if the need has not yet been met.

It may take several weeks to process your application.

• Required document(s)
  
  • Identification card or passport
  • Proof of income
  • If applicable:
    • Proof of assets
    • Rental agreement, proof of rent payments, or mortgage statements
    • Maternity record or doctor’s certificate stating the due date
    • Prescription
    • Cost estimates

  Please contact your local Jobcenter to find out which documents you need to submit for your specific case.

You will not have to pay any costs.