Benefits according to SGB II (citizen's allowance)
Students whose education is eligible for funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAf?G) are not entitled to citizen's allowance. Whether actual funding is actually provided is not relevant in this context. However, the following exceptions apply to pregnant students, student parents and their children:
Leave of absence from studies:
Students* who have taken a leave of absence from their studies due to pregnancy, childcare or illness are not entitled to benefits under BAf?G. If they are in need, they can receive citizen's allowance. This includes a standard rate, reasonable costs for heating and accommodation as well as additional needs and one-off benefits.
Additional needs and one-off benefits:
The exclusion from Bürgergeld for students (not on leave of absence) only applies to assistance with living expenses, but does not include needs arising from special circumstances. These additional needs benefits can, in the case of need for assistance, also be received if a BAf?G entitlement exists. These include additional needs for
- expectant mothers from the 13th week of pregnancy (§ 21 Para. 2 SGB II)
- Single parents (§ 21 Para. 3 SGB II)
- One-off benefits for maternity clothing and initial equipment for the baby (§24 Para. 3 SGB II)
Hardship regulation:
In cases of particular hardship, assistance to secure subsistence can be granted in the form of a loan in accordance with § 27 Para. 3 SGB II. These hardship cases are defined in the technical information on §27 SGB II. They can be found on the website of the Federal Employment Agency. The assumption of a case of hardship can be considered, among other things, if
- studies are suspended due to the birth and associated care of a child
- the degree programme takes longer than can be sponsored by BAf?G due to illness, pregnancy or disability and the degree would be jeopardised due to a lack of funds.
However, practice shows that only very few students receive assistance under the hardship scheme. Nevertheless, an application is worth a try.
Citizen's allowance:
The exclusion from benefits for students does not apply to their family members in need of assistance, such as a minor child, if their income (child benefit, maintenance, maintenance advance) does not exceed the requirements according to SGB II. Parents who are students can receive the so-called citizen's allowance (§ 28 SGB II) for their children. This includes the standard rate of 357 euros for children up to the age of 6. Children aged 6 to 13 receive a standard benefit of 390 euros and children aged 14 to 17 receive 471 euros. Schoolchildren receive more for personal school supplies.
You should bear this in mind:
The receipt of citizen's allowance and housing benefit (see under 6.) are mutually exclusive. Before applying for a benefit, you should always check which benefit is more favourable for your household. However, this requires a case-by-case calculation, which is quite complicated. To decide this, you should always seek advice. If student parents receive citizen's allowance for their underage children, they can apply for housing benefit themselves. In this case, the children for whom citizen's allowance is received are excluded.
Contact
Paderborn District Job Centre (cash benefits)
Winfriedstra?e 54
33098 Paderborn
Telephone: 0 52 51 / 54 09 - 0
Fax: 0 52 51 / 54 09 - 109
E-mail: info@jobcenter-paderborn.de
Only appointments are possible at the Winfriedstra?e 54 property. Please clarify concerns of any kind primarily at the customer centre, Rathenaustr. 28-30, 33102 Paderborn.