Refugee matters

If you do not have German citizenship, are not a citizen of any EU member state, and are residing in Germany, you may be eligible to receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, subject to certain conditions. These include so-called basic benefits, benefits in the event of illness, pregnancy, and childbirth, as well as other benefits.

Basic benefits are intended to cover the necessary expenses for maintaining a standard of living. This includes, for example, food, housing, heating, clothing, personal hygiene, and household goods. In addition, benefits for necessary personal needs may be provided to ensure participation in social life.

Benefits for pregnancy and childbirth additionally cover extra needs for expectant mothers. These may include, for example, maternity clothing or a starter kit for the baby (such as diapers and a diaper bag).

Healthcare benefits are intended to ensure your access to medical care if you are not insured by a health insurance provider. Medical care refers to treatment by a doctor if you are acutely ill or suffering from pain. You can also receive necessary vaccinations (such as against the flu) and medically necessary preventive checkups. Preventive checkups are regular examinations designed to detect and treat diseases early.

Other benefits are intended specifically for special cases. These may include special benefits to ensure a livelihood or to meet the needs of children, such as providing school supplies and integration assistance for children with disabilities. Integration assistance helps children participate in community life. Benefits may also be available to cover certain interpreter fees and the costs of obtaining a passport.

These benefits are available if your disposable income and assets have been exhausted or are insufficient and you do not receive benefits under SGB II/SGB XII. If you do not live alone, the income of family members with whom you live will be taken into account. In this context, family members include your partner or spouse, as well as (minor) children.

Benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act may be provided as in-kind or cash benefits. Depending on your living situation and your location, the type and amount of benefits granted may vary. In addition to being provided as in-kind or cash benefits, payments may also be made in the form of vouchers or other means.

The costs of housing and heating are generally taken into account by the responsible agency when calculating your entitlement. Whether support is provided in the form of cash or in-kind benefits depends on the circumstances of your individual case. The amount of benefits granted is adjusted regularly and is scaled according to age and living situation.

• Completed application
• Proof of current residence (e.g., passport, residence permit, temporary residence authorization)
• Proof of assets (e.g., bank statements for accounts and investments in Germany and abroad, vehicles, jewelry, real estate)
• Proof of income for all family members in the household (e.g., pay stubs, pension statements, child benefit, BAföG, advance child support payments)
• If applicable, proof of health and long-term care insurance
• Proof of benefits, if applicable
  • Maternal health record
  • School enrollment certificate
  • Cost estimates
  • In cases involving administrative obligations to cooperate: Notices and requests from the Foreigners’ Registration Office
• If applicable, proof of insurance and travel expenses (if employed)
• If applicable, proof of previous social benefits (termination notice from the Job Center, employment notices from other municipalities)
• If applicable, a lease agreement and proof of current rent, heating costs, and electricity bills
• If applicable, marriage certificate, divorce decree, proof of spousal support

If applicable Proof of visitation rights (for parents living apart within Germany)

Free

• Delivery: Free of charge

You are eligible to receive these benefits if the authority determines that you need assistance.

You must meet the deadlines set by the competent authority for submitting documents. If, for valid reasons, you are unable to do so, you must apply for an extension. Otherwise, the competent authority may deny you benefits due to your failure to comply with your legal obligation to cooperate.

This also applies to the deadlines for filing appeals—that is, if you disagree with the decision, not only in the case of a denial but also in the case of an approval decision (regarding the amount of the resulting benefit entitlement).