Social assistance benefits for different life situations

People who are unable to support themselves, or who are unable to do so sufficiently, through their own efforts and resources are entitled to subsistence assistance or basic income support in old age or in the event of reduced earning capacity.

A special need exists in cases of illness, disability, or particular social difficulties, for which the legislature has provided social assistance benefits, provided that other social security providers are not required to provide benefits as a matter of priority (e.g., health insurance, the German Pension Insurance, etc.). These benefits are also provided to individuals who are still able to support themselves but who, due to a situation of special need, are dependent on social assistance benefits. The decisive factor in such cases is whether they can reasonably be expected to finance these benefits from their income and assets.

In addition to subsistence assistance and basic income support in old age or in the event of reduced earning capacity, the legislature has provided for the following benefits in Book XII of the Social Code (SGB XII):

1. Health Assistance
2. Rehabilitation assistance for people with disabilities
3. Care assistance
4. Assistance to overcome special social difficulties
5. Assistance in other life situations (e.g., assistance with household management, assistance for the elderly, coverage of funeral expenses)

The benefits listed in items 1, 3 (only for people over 65 years of age), 4, and 5 are provided by the local social services office.

Responsibility for integration assistance for people with disabilities lies primarily with the Hessian State Welfare Association, as the regional social welfare agency, as does responsibility for care assistance (only for people under 65 years of age). In addition, the Hessian State Welfare Association is responsible for providing services for the blind pursuant to Section 72 of SGB XII.

The integration assistance benefits for people with disabilities under the substantive jurisdiction of the Hessian State Welfare Association primarily include:

• Assisted living
• Supported living with host families
• Residential care in a group home
• Services in semi-residential facilities, such as recognized workshops for people with disabilities
• Services for children and adolescents with physical or intellectual disabilities in foster families
• Support for school education for children with special educational needs
• Medical rehabilitation services in accredited rehabilitation facilities
• Services to promote participation in community life

Please contact the social welfare office responsible for you or the department of the Landeswohlfahrtsverband Hessen by telephone regarding the documents you need to bring with you. You will find a telephone number if you enter your place of residence in the location search.

Benefits can be approved at the earliest when the need becomes known to a social welfare office or the Hesse State Welfare Association. The respective examination of the individual case determines the exact time of approval.