Germany is one of the most developed countries in Europe, so it is not difficult for it to provide its citizens with material support if necessary. However, some people who moved to this country for permanent residence do not even know that they can count on benefits. Germany provides tremendous support to mothers, refugees, the unemployed, and young people who enter higher education.
Types of Social Benefits
Any country with a developed social system should strive in every way to support its citizens who need help. For this, in Germany there is a special document, which is translated into Russian as the "Code of Social Law". At present, it contains 12 sections, each of which regulates the procedure for providing people with benefits. However, in our article we will only talk about those sections that will be relevant for a person who has moved to live in a European country from Russia:
- financial support for students;
- pension and support for the elderly;
- assistance to minors;
- payments for each child;
- surcharge for rental housing;
- unemployment benefit;
- allowance for refugees.
Thus, almost every citizen of the Russian Federation who has moved to live in Germany has the right to social assistance of one kind or another. It will be enough to contact the responsible institution and fill out a special application. For example, to get unemployment benefits, you should visit the nearest labor exchange, and the youth affairs department is responsible for social assistance to minors.
Eligibility
Thinking about how to get benefits in Germany? Then you should know that for this you must have a document confirming social status. In addition, citizenship is a prerequisite. This rule is basic, but some restrictions and additions may also be imposed on it.
Also, a citizen is obliged to provide photocopies of the main documents (passport with a residence permit, a certificate from an educational institution, and so on) and a statement that he needs financial support. Given the bureaucratic system of Europe, an application should be filed as early as possible so that all necessary funds are paid on time.
Successful consideration of the application depends on the type of benefit required by the citizen. In addition, an important factor is the availability of opportunities to cover own expenses. That is, if you plan to receive unemployment benefits, but have a registered income, then the payment of funds will most likely be refused.
Social Payments
What is the highest paid benefit in Germany? As a rule, single parents who are not employed anywhere can count on the greatest help. This category of persons has the right to receive monthly about 340 euros (25,600 rubles) for unemployment and another 460 euros (34,700 rubles) for children. Total allowance for single parents will be 800 euros per month (approximately 60 thousand rubles). However, these are not all payments that are guaranteed by the state.
Disabled adults with disabilities are also entitled to a monthly allowance of 450 euros (34,000 rubles). In addition, if such a citizen has his own or adoptive children, then for each of them he will receive 320 euros (24,000 rubles). Although in this case you will have to provide a health certificate and an extract from the house book, which indicates the number of children living with a disabled person in the same apartment. If the children are foster, expect regular visits from social workers.
What other expenses can be paid by the allowance?
In addition to a special allowance for migrants, Germany also has the opportunity to pay for special goods and services with the help of the state. This category of material benefits include:
- lump-sum payment for the purchase of furniture in case of housing;
- funds for utility bills (gas, water, electricity);
- additional funds at birth and pregnancy;
- allowance for the purchase and repair of orthopedic appliances;
- money for rental housing (not higher than the established norm);
- contributions to the compulsory health insurance fund.
To receive this or that benefit, it is necessary to submit an application in advance to the relevant authorities. Payments can be made entirely by the state or money can simply be returned to the owner after purchasing the goods.
What material assistance will emigrants receive?
The amount of benefits for emigrants in Germany directly depends on the number of people living in the same family. For example, single adult refugees are now supposed to pay 360 euros (27 thousand rubles). However, if we are talking about a married couple, then everyone will receive 318 euros (24 thousand rubles). If refugees do not have housing, then they can count on an additional 290 euros (22 thousand rubles), which are paid for renting an apartment.
As for families with children, the payments depend on the age of the child. For example, for a five-year-old baby, they are supposed to pay 215 euros per month, and for a student from 6 to 13 years old - 245 euros (16.2 and 18.4 thousand rubles). At the same time, young people from 14 to 17 years old will receive the most money - 285 euros (21,500 rubles), but for this they will have to register with the emigration service. Otherwise, payments will be accrued only for unemployment or other preferential programs.
German refugee allowance includes full payment of utilities and rental housing, the cost of which does not exceed the rate established by the city. In addition, each emigrant is entitled to a large lump sum payment for the purchase of household items, furniture, and so on. However, refugees can apply for benefits only after 15 months in the country.
Social assistance for refugees from camps
What to do to a refugee who has recently arrived in Germany and does not have any sources of income? First of all, you should contact the emigration service and register there. After that, a needy person will be given a place in a special refugee camp, where free accommodation, meals and so on are provided.
Also, each adult can count on a small amount of cash intended for pocket expenses. This money can be spent on personal needs, travel by public transport, participation in cultural life, and so on. The size of payments depends on the age of the person. For each adult refugee, at least 135 euros are paid per month, and for children - up to 80 euros (10 and 6 thousand rubles, respectively).
Payments for children. Where can I spend them?
As mentioned earlier, the amount of child support in Germany depends on the age of the baby and his health. Some parents receive up to 500 euros (37,700 rubles) for children with disabilities. This does not take into account the special benefits that are laid to patients. Mothers with many children have the right to rely on additional benefits, the amount of which varies from the number of children living in the family. However, it is not always clear what a parent can spend money on for children.
Payments are made every month and are given to the hands of the father, mother, or guardian of the child. He has every right to give all the money to the child or use it to purchase products, things, stationery and other goods necessary for the baby. The child allowance in Germany is paid so that the children feel comfortable and do not need anything. Every few months a family is visited by a social worker and sees if there is enough.
Helping students and students in schools
The amount of benefits in Germany also depends on whether a citizen of the country or his child is studying at an educational institution. If so, then he is entitled to additional payments according to the Federal Law on the Promotion of Education. Students and students of schools have the right to receive scholarships and various loans for the purchase of necessary subjects for study.
The size of payments depends on the type of education, the cost of housing in which the student or student lives, as well as many other conditions. However, university students, as a rule, will have to return 50% of the money received after graduation and employment. Although the amount of return should not exceed 100 euros per month (7,500 rubles.).
Retirement benefits for the elderly
Every citizen of retirement age has the right to apply for benefits, the amount of which depends on the length of service. The minimum amount for a pension is 300 euros (22,600 rubles). However, under certain conditions, it can be increased to 1000 euros (75 thousand rubles) and more. For example, if an elderly person has serious illnesses and needs special medications and medical care.
Also, do not forget about the benefits provided to pensioners. For example, many organizations offer older people discounts on their products and services. On special coupons, they are provided with free travel in public transport, and when applying that a citizen needs a special device for treatment, the city will definitely allocate money for its purchase. Although the document must be confirmed by certificates from a medical specialist.
How to get a subsidy for rental housing?
Most people living in Germany are very willing to use the special subsidies allocated for rental housing. And although such a benefit rarely covers all expenses, nevertheless, an amount of 250-300 euros (18.8-22.6 thousand rubles) helps to save a good family budget. To receive financial assistance, you must submit the following documents:
- confirmation of the last payment;
- payroll sheet;
- German passport
- rental agreement.
In some cases, other documents (or copies thereof) may also be required to prove family income. For example, if a student decided to rent his own apartment, then he will need to provide a certificate from the university and an extract from the bank account on the receipt of the scholarship. A more detailed list of documents can be clarified on the spot.
Responses from emigrants and citizens of Germany
At various thematic forums you can find a lot of laudatory information about how much Germany helps refugees and immigrants from other countries with employment and accommodation. People most often note the fact that the first payments are transferred to the account a few days after moving to the country. However, no one can escape the red tape with documents, so you should not drag out a visit to the emigration service.
Also, many students tell their stories of how they moved to a European country and learned to become qualified specialists there. Most of the expenses for education were borne by the state, and monthly payments in the region of 100 euros (7,500 rubles) after employment were almost invisible, since the salaries in the country are also quite high.
As you can see, in addition to the sensational child allowance, in Germany there are also many payments aimed at improving human well-being. Of course, the amount of financial assistance depends on many factors, but the state will not leave people in need in need if they can prove their involvement in a particular social group.