Basic Income Support; Application for One-Time Benefits

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. Situations in which you may be eligible for one-time benefits under specific conditions include, for example, if you:

• are expecting a child and therefore need new baby supplies 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.

• You are able to work.
• You are currently unable to cover your living expenses and are unlikely to be able to do so over the next 6 months.

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

• 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 Job Center. Include the necessary documents requested by the Job Center.
• The Job Center will review your application. Additional documentation from third parties—such as your landlord—may be required. The agency will make a decision on a case-by-case basis.
• You will then receive a decision from the job center. The application will either be:
  • approved,
  • partially approved, or
  • denied.

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

Always submit your application before making any purchases, since you will only receive one-time benefits 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 a doctor’s certificate stating the due date
    • Invoice for the medical device, showing the patient’s copayment based on the prescription
    • Cost estimates
  • Please check with your Jobcenter to find out which documents you need to submit for your specific case.