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Bürgergeld Wizard

Germany's basic income support - check rates and prepare your application

💶 Current Rates (2024)

Bürgergeld covers: Basic living expenses + reasonable rent + heating costs

Single adult €563

Couple (each partner) €506

Adult in shared household €451

Child 14-17 years €471

Child 6-13 years €390

Child 0-5 years €357

Plus rent! Jobcenter also pays your actual rent and heating (within reasonable limits for your area).

✓ Who Can Apply

Basic requirements:

✓ Age 15-67 (or older if not receiving full pension)
✓ Living in Germany
✓ Able to work at least 3 hours/day
✓ Income/savings below threshold

Foreigners: EU citizens usually qualify after 3 months. Non-EU needs residence permit allowing work. Some visa types (student, job seeker) may not qualify.

📋 Documents Checklist

ID/Passport All household members
Residence Permit If not EU/German citizen
Anmeldung Current address registration
Rental Contract Showing rent amount
Bank Statements Last 3 months, all accounts
Income Proof Last pay slips, termination letter, ALG1 notice
Health Insurance Card If currently insured
Savings/Asset Proof Savings accounts, investments, property

🚶 Application Steps

Find your Jobcenter
Search "[Your City] Jobcenter" - go to the one for your registered address
Submit application
Online at jobcenter.digital, by mail, or in person. Application date = payment starts
Submit documents
You have time to gather documents after initial application
Attend appointment
Jobcenter will schedule an in-person meeting
Receive decision
Usually 2-4 weeks. Payment backdated to application date

Official Info Apply Online Back to Article