Forms —
official. current. free.

What it is

Monthly social assistance for people without sufficient income or who are looking for work. Covers basic living costs and rent.

Who can apply

Working-age adults residing in Germany whose income and savings fall below the statutory subsistence minimum.

Documents needed

• ID card / passport
• Anmeldung (address registration)
• Rental contract + last utility bill
• Bank statements (last 3 months)
• Income proof (payslips, contract)

What it is

A monthly financial support for rent, granted to those with low incomes who do not receive Bürgergeld. Applied for at the local council (Wohngeldstelle).

Who can apply

Tenants whose income falls below a threshold based on household size and rent level.

Documents needed

• Complete rental contract
• Mietbescheinigung (rent certificate)
• Income proof for all household members
• Anmeldung for all residents
• ID card / passport

What it is

Monthly allowance for each child, paid by the Familienkasse. Generally granted until age 18, or up to 25 if the child is in education.

Who can apply

Parents who reside or work in Germany. EU families also submit annex KG 51 (Anlage Ausland) when a parent or child lives abroad.

Documents needed

• Children's birth certificates (translated)
• Tax ID of parent and each child
• Anmeldung for parent and children
• School certificate (over 18)
• KG 51 for families with abroad ties

What it is

A monthly allowance for parents who interrupt or reduce their professional activity in the first years of the child's life.

Who can apply

Parents who live with the child, care for them personally and work no more than 32 hours per week. Application submitted after birth.

Documents needed

• Original birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde für Elterngeld)
• Income proof for the past 12 months
• Employer confirmation of parental leave
• Confirmation from health insurer (Mutterschaftsgeld)
• ID card / passport

What it is

Unemployment benefit for people who contributed to unemployment insurance via an employment contract in Germany. Paid for a limited period.

Who can apply

People who contributed for at least 12 months in the past 30 months, lost their job and registered as unemployed with the Agentur für Arbeit.

Documents needed

• Online account at arbeitsagentur.de
• ID card / passport
• Termination notice
• Arbeitsbescheinigung from employer
• Tax ID and bank account