Sozialhilfe (SGB XII)
Social assistance
Living-cost assistance for people who are not capable of gainful employment and are not receiving Grundsicherung im Alter, under SGB XII.
Start application →Sozialhilfe under Book Twelve of the Social Code (SGB XII) is the state’s last-resort benefit for people who cannot secure their livelihood from their own resources, own work, or higher-priority social benefits. It includes Hilfe zum Lebensunterhalt (§§ 27 ff.), Grundsicherung im Alter und bei voller Erwerbsminderung (§§ 41 ff.), as well as help in special life situations (care support, integration assistance). The responsible authority is the Sozialamt at your place of residence. Unlike Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe is intended for people who are NOT employable (able to work less than 3 hours per day).
Eligibility
- You cannot cover your living expenses from your own income or assets
- You are not employable (less than 3 hours per day, § 8 SGB II) — otherwise Bürgergeld
- You have your habitual residence in Germany
- Priority benefits (pension, sickness allowance, Wohngeld, maintenance) are exhausted or not available
- Assets below protection limits (€5,000 per person plus protected assets)