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Social benefits

Apply for Basic Income Support for the Elderly

Means-tested social assistance for people of retirement age or those with a permanent, total disability whose pension is insufficient.

Processing: approx. 1 months
Online application possibleSuccess rate: 85.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the Social Services Office

    Form providing information on income, assets, and living situation.

  2. 2

    Submit documentation

    Pension statement, bank statements, lease agreement.

  3. 3

    Received the approval notice

    Benefits are generally granted for 12 months, after which a renewal application must be submitted.

Required documents

  • Pension NoticeMandatory
  • Bank statements (3 months)MandatoryOften forgotten
  • Lease AgreementMandatory

Responsible authority

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

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 1 months

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

Online possible – at the responsible authority

Common mistakes

  • • Incomplete financial statements
  • • Pension information is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Assets exceeding the exempt amount
  • • Children with a high income who are obligated to pay child support (>€100,000/year)

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Individuals who have reached the standard retirement age or who, as of age 18, have a permanent and total disability and insufficient income or assets.

Income limit

Income and assets below the threshold for eligibility for public assistance (standard rate plus housing costs); exempt assets of €10,000 per person.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Incomplete financial statements
  • •Pension information is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Assets exceeding the exempt amount
  • •Children with a high income who are obligated to pay child support (>€100,000/year)

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

Housing allowance

If income is just above the basic income support threshold

Questions & Answers

Do children have to pay for their parents' basic old-age security?▼

Only if your annual gross income exceeds €100,000—in the vast majority of cases, recourse for child support does not apply.

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