current circumstances and entitlements in regard to essential coverage: who qualifies for which benefits?
In Germany, individuals who can't financially support themselves might be eligible for something known as "basic security." This safety net ensures that they have the bare essentials, like a warm place to live, food, clothes, and necessities. However, the type of basic security you're entitled to can vary based on your specific situation.
Margaret Böwe, from Germany's social welfare association VdK Germany, explains that basic security encompasses various forms. This includes basic security for the elderly, for those with reduced earning capacity, and for job seekers, which is also known as unemployment benefit. All of these types share the principle of meeting basic needs, but the application process and requirements differ significantly.
1. Basic Security for Job Seekers (Unemployment Benefit)
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for unemployment benefit if you can't support yourself financially with your income and assets, and other benefits, like unemployment benefit, housing benefit, and child supplement, aren't sufficient. You must also be capable of working at least 15 hours a week. People who are non-employable and live in a community with unemployment benefit recipients may also be eligible.
How Much Money is Available?
The current standard rate is €563 per month. This also covers reasonable rent and heating costs, as well as social security costs. Special needs, such as for pregnant women or single parents, may also be covered. Other benefits, like exemption from broadcasting fees and a social ticket for public transport, are often included.
What Income, What Assets are Taken into Account?
Most income, including wages, child benefit, and maintenance, is deducted from your entitlement. Assets above €15,000 per person must first be used for your own living expenses. Only in the first year is there an exemption for assets over €40,000. The income and assets of your partner living in the same community are also considered.
How and Where to Apply?
You can apply at your local job center, which can also be done online at www.jobcenter.digital. You'll need a valid ID document, income and asset proof, and evidence of living expenses, among other things.
What if Your Circumstances Change?
If a partner or child moves in or out of your community, or if your income changes, unemployment benefit recipients must inform their relevant office. Longer holidays and absences should also be clarified, as your entitlement may then cease.
2. Basic Security in Old Age
Who is Eligible?
Those who cannot earn a minimum existence with their own means and have reached the regular retirement age are eligible.
How Much Money is Available?
The current basic old-age security rate is 563 euros. This also covers reasonable rent and heating costs, as well as social insurance contributions. Special needs, such as those due to a walking disability, are also paid. Individuals receiving basic old-age security are exempt from broadcasting fees and may receive a local public transport ticket.
What Income and Assets are Considered?
Income is generally deducted from the benefit claim. There are only a few exceptions, such as care allowance. Those with assets over 10,000 euros must first use these before they can claim benefits. Additionally, the income and assets of your partner living in the same household are also considered.
How and Where to Apply?
Applications can be made either at the responsible social welfare office or at the pension office, which will forward the application to the social welfare office. Some offices allow online applications, which can be checked at www.sozialplattform.de. Income and asset proofs, and sometimes those of the partner, are required.
What if Living Circumstances Change?
Beneficiaries must immediately report any changes in living circumstances that affect the eligibility criteria.
3. Basic Security for those with Reduced Earning Capacity
Who is Eligible?
Those who cannot cover their living expenses from their own resources, are at least 18 years old, and have a permanent reduction in their earning capacity, such as due to illness or accident, are eligible. According to the Federal Ministry of Labour, the impairment must be so severe that those affected cannot work at least three hours a day on an indefinite basis.
How Much Money is Available?
The basic security rate corresponds to that of the other two basic security types: currently 563 euros. This also covers reasonable rent and heating costs, as well as social insurance contributions. Special needs, such as those due to a walking disability, are also paid. Individuals receiving basic security for those with reduced earning capacity are exempt from broadcasting fees and may receive a local public transport ticket.
What Income and Assets are Considered?
With a few exceptions, such as care allowance, all income is deducted from the benefit claim. The asset exemption limit is also 10,000 euros per person.
How and Where to Apply?
The responsible social welfare office or the pension office is the right place to apply. Claimants can also check if an online application is possible at www.sozialplattform.de. Proof of permanent reduced earning capacity, as well as income and asset proofs, and sometimes those of the partner, are required.
What if Living Circumstances Change?
Beneficiaries also have comprehensive information obligations, for example, if the pension amount increases.
- Protection of consumers is essential when providing unemployment benefit, ensuring that the process is transparent and fair for all eligible individuals. This includes clearly outlining eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and the income and assets that will be taken into account.
- In the context of basic security for the elderly, protecting consumers is crucial in ensuring that the application process is straight-forward and that eligible beneficiaries receive their due benefits without any undue delays or complications.
