Apply for basic security in old age and in case of incapacity for work
service description
Basic income support for the elderly and those with reduced earning capacity is part of the social security system in Germany. The benefits provided by this system guarantee a dignified minimum standard of living.
- Basic income support for the elderly and those with reduced earning capacity ensures the necessary livelihood of people in financial need.
The entitlement to and amount of basic income support for the elderly and those with reduced earning capacity depends on your individual needs and your existing income and assets.
The total requirement consists of the following components:
- Standard needs
- reasonable needs for accommodation and heating
- possible additional needs
- potential educational needs for adult students
- In individual cases, contributions to health and long-term care insurance
In addition, you will receive one-off assistance in special situations, such as for initial furnishings for an apartment.
In addition to your individual needs, your income and assets – if any – will be considered. You must use these first to cover your living expenses. Exceptions include allowances and protected assets.
If your income in old age (pension) or in the event of a complete reduction in earning capacity is not sufficient to cover your living expenses, you can apply for basic security.
What deadlines do I need to consider?
The basic security benefits begin with the application. There are no additional payments for periods prior to the application. The basic security benefit is regularly approved for 12 calendar months and then checked. If personal or financial circumstances change during the approval period, the changes must be reported. Increased benefits will be paid no earlier than the first of the month in which the notification of the change was made. It is therefore important to make changes such as B. a rent increase, immediately.
You can receive benefits from the 1st of the month in which you submitted your application. Benefits are generally granted for 12 calendar months.
Validity period: 12 months
legal basis
What else should I know?
As a recipient of benefits, you are obliged to help yourself and first claim other social benefits if this would alleviate your need for assistance.
- avoid,
- eliminate,
- shorten or
- can reduce.
This includes, for example, the following services:
- pension
- housing benefit
- Claims against third parties, for example maintenance payments.
You should only claim basic income support for the elderly and those with reduced earning capacity once you have exhausted these social benefits.
You can get more information from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.