Citizen's income
Apply for citizen's income - create financial security
The citizen's allowance (formerly unemployment benefit II or "Hartz IV") is an important support for people who do not have enough income to secure their livelihood. Because when the money is no longer enough, many people feel insecure. Costs rise, bills remain unpaid and the fear of no longer being able to pay the rent grows.
Signs that you need support
- Income is no longer sufficient: If your salary, pension or unemployment benefit is not enough to cover rent, electricity and living costs.
- Unemployment or unemployment: If you do not have a job or are currently looking for a job, you may be entitled to citizen's allowance.
- High rent costs: If your rent costs are too high in relation to your income, you can apply for Citizen's Income to cover housing costs.
- Debt or arrears: If you have difficulty paying your bills on time, Citizen's Income could provide financial relief.
- Unclear about your entitlements: If you are not sure what benefits you are entitled to, you should seek advice.
What you can do now
1. Check your entitlement
Find out whether you are entitled: People who are able to work, cannot support themselves on their own and have their habitual residence in Germany can apply for citizen's allowance. There are online calculators that you can use to roughly calculate whether you are entitled to citizen's allowance.
2. Apply for citizen's allowance
You can submit your application for citizen's allowance in person at the Jobcenter or online. Some local authorities also offer digital application portals. You will need your identity card, rental agreement, proof of income and account transactions for the application. It is best to have these documents ready for the application - this way you can complete the application easily and without any breaks.
Tip: Social advice centers or debtor advice centers will help you to fill out the application and avoid mistakes.
3. Relieve the burden of everyday life
In addition to the citizen's allowance, there are other support benefits such as the education and participation allowance for children or grants for school costs. In most cases, you can check online whether you are entitled to further benefits. You can also find out about discounts for people on low incomes, e.g. the social tariff with electricity providers or discounts on public transport.
Finding support: What help is available?
There are numerous support services that can relieve you financially, help with the application process and provide support in a crisis.
Counseling and application assistance
- Jobcenter: The job center is the central point of contact for the citizen's allowance application. They will provide you with information on the requirements and the necessary documents.
- Social advice centers: Social advice centers offer free support with the application process. Here you can ask questions, have documents checked and get advice on other benefits.
- Debtor advice: If you have financial problems, debtor advice can help you sort out your debts and check possible claims for financial support.
Help with rejections or appeals
- Objections: If the application is rejected, you can lodge an appeal. This must be done within a certain period of time (usually 1 month).
- Advice on appeals: Social advice centers and specialist lawyers for social law will help you to formulate appeals correctly and enforce your claims.
Frequently asked questions about advice on citizens' allowance
Social advice centers and debtor advice centers will help you to fill out the application correctly, compile the necessary documents and meet deadlines. The job center itself also offers advice sessions.
If your application has been rejected, you can lodge an appeal. A social advice center can check whether the rejection is justified, help you formulate the appeal and inform you about further legal steps.
Yes, if your income is not sufficient to cover your living expenses, you can apply for supplementary citizen's allowance. An advice center will help you to calculate whether you are entitled and how to apply.
In addition to the citizen's allowance, you can apply for housing benefit, additional needs supplements, education and participation benefits for children or allowances for one-off purchases. A consultation will clarify which additional assistance is possible for your situation.
Let us advise you now!
Find out what support you are entitled to. Social advice centers, debtor advice centers and job centers can help you apply for the Citizen's Income. Get started now and ease the burden on your financial situation.