Information on the granting of basic security benefits in accordance with SGB II
Since 1 January 2005, benefits have been provided under Book II of the Social Code (SGB II). In addition to services and benefits in kind, these include, in particular, the basic income support, which is available to people who are able to work – as well as those who are not.
As a general rule, benefits under SGB II, such as the basic income support allowance, are only paid to those who are unable to support themselves by taking up reasonable employment, through their own income and assets, or with the help of third parties.
Basic income support is a benefit designed to provide a basic means of subsistence. This refers to covering basic needs – ensuring the minimum standard of living necessary to survive. This support is intended for anyone who has insufficient or no means of their own to cover these needs.
Basic income support is funded by taxes, not by unemployment insurance. It is therefore not dependent on whether you were previously in employment subject to compulsory insurance contributions. The amount of the benefit is thus not based on any previous income from employment, but solely on the minimum you need to live on and cannot afford yourself.
The legislator has set out what the individual is entitled to as a minimum in so-called standard needs. If a person has no income at all or less income than these standard amounts, they can generally receive benefits. Unemployment is not a prerequisite. You can also receive benefits if you earn too little, regardless of whether you are employed or self-employed.
Income is taken into account if it is higher than certain allowances.
Beneficiaries according to SGB II
Persons who
- have reached the age of 15 and have not yet reached the age limit according to § 7a,
- are fit for work,
- are in need of help and
- have their habitual residence in the
Federal Republic of Germany (beneficiaries who are capable of working).
The age limit according to § 7a SGB II is determined as follows: Persons born before 1 January 1947 reach the age limit at the end of the month in which they reach the age of 65. For persons born after 31 December 1946, the age limit is raised as follows:
for the year of birth will be increased by months the end of the month in which a person reaches the age of 1947 1 65 years and 1 month 1948 2 65 years and 2 months 1949 3 65 years and 3 months 1950 4 65 years and 4 months 1951 5 65 years and 5 months 1952 6 65 years and 6 months 1953 7 65 years and 7 months 1954 8 65 years and 8 months 1955 9 65 years and 9 months 1956 10 65 years and 10 months 1957 11 65 years and 11 months 1958 12 66 years 1959 14 66 years and 2 months 1960 16 66 years and 4 months 1961 18 66 years and 6 months 1962 20 66 years and 8 months 1963 22 66 years and 10 months from 1964 24 67 years People who are not unemployed but are in employment may also be eligible for basic income support under SGB II.
Application
Benefits under SGB II are granted on application. Applications and qualified counselling are possible by appointment. Applications are available online or can be collected in person during opening hours.
Downloading the forms does not constitute an application. The application is only considered to have been submitted once the duly completed form has been submitted.
Digital applications are also possible.
