Getting help with living costs in Germany

The Sozialamt or the Jobcenter: which one depends on whether you can work

If your income does not cover rent, food or other basic needs, German law provides basic financial support, and two kinds of office deal with it. The Jobcenter looks after people who are able to work, while the Sozialamt, the social welfare office of your city or district, covers people who are too old or too ill to work. Your residence status and household affect what you can claim, so ask the office.

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How it works

Get social assistance

Find local help if you cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs.

If you cannot cover basic living costs such as rent, food or energy, your local social services can assess what help you are entitled to. Support can include a monthly allowance, emergency payments, help with debts or housing, and advice. You usually start with an intake appointment at the office that serves your address. Bring your ID, proof of address and information about your income, savings, rent and household. Each type of support has its own conditions, and the office decides after assessing your situation.

Also searched as

social assistancesocial welfaresocial servicesfinancial helpemergency financial helpminimum incomehelp paying rent

At a glance

Offices
135 offices in 39 cities
Book online
At 39 of 135 offices
Apply online
At 68 of 135 offices

Contact is often by email or phone before any visit

Offices that handle help with living costs

In Germany these requests go to a Sozialamt or a Jobcenter rather than to the registration office. Large cities such as Munich, Dortmund and Cologne have many desks, each tied to districts or surname ranges, so you may be sent to a different one from the nearest.

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Related services

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For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.

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For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.

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Certificate of your registered address

For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.

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Deregister your address when leaving Germany

For anyone giving up their last home in Germany. See when you need to report your departure and which office accepts it.

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Offices for help with living costs

Social welfare offices and Jobcenters cover set districts, and each has its own first contact route: email, phone or an appointment.

Social assistance offices in Germany

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