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 |  Social & Education  |  Social facilities  |  Integration and Immigration  |  Help for refugees  | 

Social benefits for asylum...

Social benefits for asylum seekers

Services for refugees

People fleeing from other countries can apply for asylum in Germany. As long as they are not yet able to support themselves, they receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.

Cash and non-cash benefits for refugees under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act are provided, where necessary, to foreign nationals who are actually resident in Germany and who

  1. hold a residence permit under the Asylum Procedures Act or
  2. are subject to an enforceable obligation to leave the country, or
  3. are spouses or minor children of the foreign nationals referred to in points 1 and 2.

These are benefits granted to the above-mentioned group of persons in lieu of social assistance. The necessary requirements for food, accommodation, heating, clothing, health and personal care, and household goods and consumables must be met.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the application process work?

Procedure

You can apply for social security benefits in person, by telephone, by email or in writing to the relevant authority. You will then receive the necessary application forms and information on which documents you need to submit.

You can also find the initial and renewal application forms (application for a means test) on this page under 'Forms'.

You can submit the documents in person, by email or by post.

Can I submit my documents digitally?

Digital contact form

You can use this form to submit documents relating to an application you have already made with us. You can also notify us of any changes if you are already receiving benefits.

Digital contact form: AsylbLG Benefits Office

Important: Do not use this form to submit a new application for benefits.

What documents do I need to submit when applying?

Required documents

  • Completed application form
  • Proof of identity (residence permit, temporary leave to remain)
  • Allocation notice
  • Where applicable, decision by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
  • Where applicable, proof that a legal action has been brought against the BAMF's decision
  • Where applicable, the court's decision
  • Notice of fees or tenancyagreement/rent certificate
  • Bank statements for the last three months (complete, for all accounts)
  • Proof of assets
  • Proof of income (e.g. payslips, notice of unemployment benefit, child benefit notice)

Pleasenote: Please submit copies of the documents only, and bear in mind that the application cannot be processed until all the required documents have been received.

When will I start receiving benefits?

Time limits

If the conditions are met and entitlement exists, benefits will be paid from the date on which the informal application was made (the date on which the entitlement became known).

What is the legal basis?

Legal basis

Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG)

Do you disagree with the decision?

Appeal

You may lodge an appeal against the decision. Please refer to the information on legal remedies included in the decision for further details.

If you have any further questions regarding legal protection or require assistance, please speak to the contact persons listed above.

Do you need information about payment cards?

Payment card

The payment card is an electronic card, similar to a bank card. The money you receive from social security is usually paid directly onto this card.

You can use the card to shop in supermarkets, shops and pharmacies (just like a Visa card) and to withdraw cash. You can only spend the money that is on the card.

You can withdraw up to 50 euros per person per month in cash whilst shopping or at a cash machine (subject to a fee). It is no longer necessary to have your own bank account, unless you have other sources of income.

The card can be used throughout Germany. International bank transfers are not possible.

Transfers to domestic accounts are only possible in justified cases and upon presentation of supporting evidence, subject to approval by your case worker.

You will receive the card automatically and, during an appointment with your case worker, will be given a personal explanation of how it works.

If you have standing orders or direct debits set up from your previous bank account, we recommend cancelling them if you have no other sources of income, as benefits cannot usually be paid into your bank account. You can decide for yourself whether you wish to keep your current account after receiving the payment card.

Further information on the payment card can be found on the following page:

Information on the payment card for refugees

When can I move into my own flat?

Moving into your own flat

As a rule, your residence permit will state that you are only permitted to take up residence in shared accommodation in Bocholt.

The Foreigners' Registration Office decides whether you are permitted to rent a private flat and, consequently, whether this clause can be removed from your residence permit. Please therefore contact the relevant Foreigners' Registration Office.

When can I start work?

Taking up employment

You are only permitted to take up employment with the permission of the Immigration Authority. Please therefore contact the relevant Immigration Authority.

Please note that you are obliged to submit your employment contract to your case worker responsible for benefit payments without delay.

Would you like further information?

Further information

Detailed and easy-to-understand information on services relating to migration and asylum is available on this portal:

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