When do you get social assistance?
Germany has a globally recognized social system. An essential part of the system are the benefits from basic security through Hartz 4 to social assistance. The latter are referred to as subsistence allowance. When someone receives an allowance is precisely regulated by law.
Anyone who is considered unable to work due to their own illness or certain personal situation and therefore has no entitlement to Hartz 4 or a low one Disability pension can apply for a living allowance.
Who will receive a living allowance?
In Germany, the system of the social market economy also provides social security for people on the fringes of society. Under certain conditions, you can receive support for subsistence (social assistance), unemployment benefit II (Hartz 4) and, in the case of reduced earning capacity, basic security benefits in old age.
- Before the introduction of SGB II, known as Hartz 4, aids to subsistence accounted for almost half of social spending. It is now around five percent.
- Hartz 4 has resulted in only a few people receiving social benefits directly from the social welfare office. The overwhelming number of employable beneficiaries now receive Hartz 4 and no separate allowance.
- Hartz 4 should not be confused with the living allowance. Because help is only available to a certain group of people. The persons concerned are not entitled to Hartz 4 and the basic security benefits in old age in the event of reduced earning capacity.
- Employment pensioners without basic security entitlement or residents of inpatient facilities for care and in old age may, for example, have been denied the basic security. Foreigners who are entitled to asylum can also apply for assistance with their livelihood.
The welfare state of Germany secures your livelihood as a citizen of the country ...
When do you get social assistance?
When to get social assistance benefits depends primarily on a person's need. In the case of applicants, it is also always checked whether they belong to the group of people entitled to basic social security.
- When assessing whether you are entitled to a living allowance, your own assets or income are taken into account.
- When you receive social assistance always depends on the application. A need can be reported by telephone. Applications must be submitted subsequently. However, no benefits are paid retrospectively.
- Anyone who is completely without money or assets receives additional benefits above the standard rate (391 euros for single adults - January 2014). This then includes creditable costs from accommodation to heating costs Health insurance.
The benefits that come under the term social assistance include, in addition to help with living expenses social benefits, basic security in old age and basic security in the event of reduced earning capacity, for example integration assistance, assistance with health, assistance with care and allowance for the blind.
