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Social Issues & Family

Reapply for Basic Income Support for the Elderly

Initial application for basic income support for the elderly and those with reduced earning capacity (Sections 41 et seq. of SGB XII) at the social welfare office—for individuals who have reached the standard retirement age or who have a permanent, full reduction in earning capacity.

Processing: approx. 3 weeks
Success rate: 82.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the Social Services Office

    Form available at the social services office in the county where you live.

  2. 2

    Get a quote

    The case worker determines the standard benefit, housing costs, and countable income.

  3. 3

    Wait for the approval notice

    Benefits are effective as of the month of application.

Required documents

  • Pension decision or GdB decisionMandatory
  • Bank statements for the last 3 monthsMandatoryOften forgotten
  • Lease Agreement and Utility BillsMandatory

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 3 weeks

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Application filed too late – no retroactive effect
  • • Child support claims not reported (review required for annual income of €100,000 or more)

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Income exceeds the subsistence level
  • • Assets exceeding the exemption limit

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Retirees and individuals with a permanent disability whose income is below the sociocultural subsistence level.

Income limit

Standard needs + reasonable housing costs; exemptions for pensions and earned income

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 weeks

Success rate

approx. 82.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Application filed too late – no retroactive effect
  • •Child support claims not reported (review required for annual income of €100,000 or more)

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Income exceeds the subsistence level
  • •Assets exceeding the exemption limit

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Related services

Basic Income

For individuals under the standard retirement age who are not disabled

Questions & Answers

Can children be held responsible for their parents' basic income support?▼

Only if your annual income exceeds €100,000.

Read more