Apply for a loan or needs-based grant for training

• § 27 Zweites Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB II)
• § 7 Absatz 5 und 6 Zweites Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB II)
• § 21 Absatz 2, 3, 5 und 6 Zweites Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB II)
• § 24 Absatz 3 Nummer 2 und Absatz 4 Zweites Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB II)

• Application forms:
  • The application for benefits for trainees and students in accordance with § 27 SGB II can be made informally. It is generally submitted with the main application ("Application for benefits to secure subsistence in accordance with the Second Book of the Social Code (SGB II)"). However, the Jobcenter may provide its own forms so that it can obtain the information from the applicant that it needs to check the entitlement to benefits and, if applicable, the amount.
• Valid identification document:
  • Identity card or
  • valid passport with current registration certificate
  • Residence permit
• Proof of income, for example a payslip or current bank statements (e.g. pensions, sick pay, child benefit, alimony, maintenance advance, training allowance, BAföG)
• Proof of training or studies (e.g. training or enrollment certificate)
• Proof of existing assets (e.g. savings, shares, securities, building society savings contracts)
• Proof of expenses, for example by submitting bank statements (or, for example, rental agreement, rent receipts, heating costs, documents on insurance premiums)
• Proof of previous receipt of benefits, including from another job center (notice of approval, proof of benefits)

If you find yourself in a financial emergency situation at the start of or during your training, you can apply for benefits for trainees. The following applies:

General

• As a trainee or apprentice, you are not entitled to social benefits such as citizen's allowance and
• You are in a financial emergency situation and
• You are unable to support yourself.

As a rule, you can benefit from the above benefits:

• • Students who do not live with their parents
  • Trainees who have reached the statutory BAföG age limit
  • Trainees in vocational training or a pre-vocational training program who are accommodated with full board
    • in a boarding school or
    • in a hall of residence.
• Trainees with disabilities who are entitled to a training allowance, for example during vocational training, a pre-vocational training measure or basic training and who are accommodated
  • in a boarding school,
  • in a residential home or
  • in a special facility for people with disabilities,

if the costs of accommodation and meals are covered by the employment agency or another benefit provider.

Loans in general

• Without a loan, the start of your training or its successful completion would be jeopardized for financial reasons.

Hardship loan

• You are not in a position to earn additional income through a part-time job, for example because
  • you are a single parent or
  • you have a disability or
  • you are caring for a relative or
  • your residence permit in Germany does not allow it.
• You can be classified as a hardship case if exceptional, serious circumstances jeopardize your education and/or you find yourself in an emergency situation that threatens your livelihood.

Hardship allowance

• You are at least 45 years old and can therefore no longer receive BAföG due to your age and
• You are in school education, without the completion of which your professional integration is seriously jeopardized, but are not studying.
• You can be classified as a hardship case if exceptional, serious circumstances jeopardize your education and/or you find yourself in an emergency situation that threatens your livelihood.

You do not have to pay any costs if you have an account. If you do not have an account, you will receive a payment instruction for a cash payment (ZzV cash). This is a check. However, you will incur costs as a result, which will be deducted directly from the benefit to which you are entitled. As the amount of the costs for the payment order can vary, please contact your local Jobcenter for more information. You can have the check paid out in cash. Payment is made exclusively via Postbank branches. The ZzV-Bar is a means of payment of Postbank AG, the use of which has been agreed separately between the Federal Employment Agency and Postbank.

You must apply for a loan or grant. The application can be made informally. Alternatively, you can also submit an application using the online application for citizen's allowance.

• Ask the job center responsible for your place of residence about the application procedure.
• Benefits for supplementary additional needs must be applied for. Application forms are available for this purpose, which you can collect from the Jobcenter or have sent to you. You can also find the forms on the Internet.
• To apply for a loan, a hardship allowance or initial equipment for pregnancy and childbirth, your Jobcenter may use a separate application form. Your job center will tell you which documents you need to submit for your particular case.
• Fill in the application form.
• If you are under the age of majority, have a person with parental authority sign the application.
• The Jobcenter will check your application.
• The Jobcenter will check your assets and income.
• The Jobcenter will make a decision on a case-by-case basis.
  • Hardship allowance: The responsible placement specialist will decide whether the requirements for an allowance are met.
• You will be notified whether your application has been approved or rejected.
• If you are granted a loan, the Jobcenter will agree with you when and how you will repay the money.

There is no time limit. However, benefits are only granted from the first day of the month in which you submit the application.

You should therefore make sure that you submit the application as soon as possible when you become aware of your financial need or when it becomes apparent and not after the fact.

• Objection
• Summary proceedings before the social court
• Action before the social court

Forms available: Yes
Written form required: No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance necessary: No
Online services available: Yes

• Fachliche Weisungen der Bundesagentur für Arbeit: § 27 SGB II, Leistungen für Auszubildende
• Fachliche Weisungen der Bundesagentur für Arbeit: § 37 SGB II, Antragserfordernis
• Merkblatt zum Arbeitslosengeld II und Sozialgeld der Agentur für Arbeit (Seite 48 bis 50)
• Informationen zu Leistungen für Auszubildende auf der Internetseite der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS)

08.03.2023

You can find the job center responsible for you using the job center finder on the Federal Employment Agency's website.

You can find the job center responsible for you using the job center finder on the Federal Employment Agency's website.