Apply for basic security in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity (social assistance)

Due to the impending loss of income as a result of the pandemic, many citizens are faced with the question of how to secure their basic financial needs in order to ensure their livelihood and housing. The district administration's social welfare office is receiving inquiries from people seeking advice/help who have lost their income for various reasons. As a rule, these are people who are still able to work or have not yet reached the age limit. The social welfare office tries to advise these citizens accordingly and refer them to the right office, usually the Job Center.

Federal policy has responded to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic by making it easier to receive social benefits. Among other things, the "Social Protection Package", which came into force on March 28, 2020, made changes to the Social Code XII (Section 141 SGB XII) in the area of basic security in old age and reduced earning capacity as well as assistance with living expenses. These simplifications relate in particular to access to and approval of these benefits until March 31, 2022.

For approval periods beginning in the period up to March 31, 2022, the following simplifications apply

1. No comprehensive asset check. Beneficiaries only need to confirm that they have no significant assets (€60,000 for the first and €30,000 for each additional household member to be taken into account).
2. The actual rental expenses for six months are considered reasonable and are paid in full. So-called cost reduction procedures are not currently being initiated. Accommodation costs that have already been reduced will continue to be recognized at a reduced level.

For approval periods that begin / have begun in the period from 01.03.2020 to 31.03.2021, the following also applies:

3. if the final amount of a benefit cannot be determined due to the need for longer investigations, a provisional approval will be made, which will only be finally decided upon application.

The Social Welfare Office of the Bad Dürkheim district administration endeavors to provide short-term and unbureaucratic assistance to (potential) recipients of assistance for living expenses or basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity.

In addition to those entitled to benefits under SGB XII, the social welfare office also continues to receive inquiries from people who are threatened with a loss of income due to short-time working . If there is sufficient income to cover living expenses and only a rent subsidy is required, housing benefit can be paid if necessary.

All of the simplified procedures envisaged are intended to ensure that those entitled to benefits can secure their livelihood as unbureaucratically as possible. For example, all personal contacts with citizens are currently being suspended as far as possible. Appointments that the social welfare office normally holds, e.g. for initial applications, are no longer taking place. This also takes into account the fact that many people seeking help belong to a risk group during the pandemic.

Finally, the Social Welfare Office would like to provide citizens with the following summary, which is intended to show who can turn to which office with which problem:

1. Anyone who is unable to cover their living expenses (e.g. living costs, rent, health insurance contributions) and has been determined by the pension provider to have a full permanent/temporary reduction in earning capacity or who has exceeded the standard retirement age (Section 41 (2) SGB XII) should contact the Social Welfare Office telephone number listed below.
2. Anyone who is unable to support themselves (e.g. living costs, rent, health insurance contributions) and is able to work should contact the relevant Jobcenter Deutsche Weinstraße in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The Job Center in Grünstadt has a branch office for the north of the Bad Dürkheim district. Both locations have set up the following hotline for all questions relating to Corona: 06321/932-777.
3. If you are still able to make a living, but need support to finance the rent or bear the costs of your own home/apartment, you may be eligible for housing benefit/encumbrance allowance. If you have any questions in this regard, you should also contact the Social Welfare Office on the telephone number below.

This list is intended as an initial guide. This overview is no substitute for personal advice. For comprehensive advice, the staff of the Social Welfare Office are available by telephone during normal office hours on 06322/961-9292.

in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity outside of institutions:

Orientierungswerte Kosten der Unterkunft ab 01.06.2023.pdf

Clearance values for economic heating costs 2021/2022.pdf

Information on one-off requirements SGB XII and SGB II