Benefits according to Social Code II (ALG II) and Social Code XII (social assistance)
In principle, studying entitles you to BaföG and therefore excludes the receipt of ALG II benefits. This applies regardless of whether BaföG is actually received or not.
However, there are exceptions for students with disabilities, chronic illnesses or mental illnesses, which are discussed below.
Additional needs that are not covered by BaföG or health insurance can also be claimed. Costs for one-off and ongoing needs such as toiletries and therapies (not covered by health insurance!) can be covered by social benefits.
Students who live with their parents can apply to have their BaföG payments topped up by social benefits if
- BaföG is received
- BaföG is not received for reasons of assets/income
- The BaföG application has not yet been approved
If you interrupt your studies for up to 3 months, you can continue to receive BaföG, as students are still considered employable and have the status "in a training relationship". The receipt of ALG II is therefore excluded.
If you interrupt your studies for more than 3 months, but for less than 6 months, you may be able to apply for ALG II benefits.
The status "not in a training relationship", for example due to a leave of absence, prevents the receipt of BaföG funds, so that ALG II can be applied for.
Attention: If a leave of absence does not cause the status "not in a training relationship", because, for example, study achievements can still be made, ALG II cannot be applied for. In addition, unlike a leave of absence, ALG II cannot be applied for retroactively.
If an interruption in studies (probably) lasts longer than 6 months, the status "temporarily fully reduced in earning capacity" and "not in a training relationship" applies, so that there may be a claim for subsistence according to SGB XII, 3rd chapter.
In the event of a longer transition period from a Bachelor's degree programme to a Master's degree programme, the entitlement to BaföG may no longer apply. During the bridging period, you must register as a jobseeker with the Employment Agency and fulfil all job-seeking obligations. It is possible to apply for ALG II during this time.
In the event of a longer transition period from a Bachelor's degree programme to a Master's degree programme, the entitlement to BaföG may no longer apply. During the bridging period, you must register as a jobseeker with the Employment Agency and fulfil all job-seeking obligations. It is possible to apply for ALG II during this time.