Applying for social assistance for minors in the care of relatives

The permit for minors in the care of relatives can be applied for at the Social Welfare Office. However, it must also be granted without an application if the social assistance institution (e.g. district or independent city) or the bodies commissioned by it learn that a person is in need of assistance or in an emergency situation and fulfils the requirements for granting assistance.

You can announce your need for help with your livelihood, e.g. online via the social platform or in writing.

• The decision depends on the income and financial circumstances, for which a corresponding form may also have to be submitted.
   
• Submit all the required documents along with the form.
   
• The social welfare office will decide on your needs.
   
• The Social Welfare Office must decide on your notification of need and inform you of the result. This is done by means of a notice, which is usually sent to you by letter.
   
• If your need has been determined, you will receive a notice of approval, if it is not determined, you will receive a rejection notice.
   
• In both cases, the decision must contain the reasons for the decision, as well as information on the possibility of appealing against it. For this purpose, an indication of the deadline within which you can lodge an objection must be included.
   
• The notification of approval must include the amount of the benefit to be paid as well as the start of the payment. From the date mentioned, the social welfare office will transfer the money to your account at the beginning of the month. You can also specify a third party's account for the transfer.
   

Please note: You are obliged to inform the Social Welfare Office immediately of any changes in your income and financial situation.

Preconditions:

• The child has not yet reached the age of 15 (exceptions are possible)
• Placement outside the parental household (in the care of relatives or living in a foster family)
• No entitlement to educational assistance from the Youth Welfare Office (and thus no entitlement to economic youth welfare)
• Insufficient income and assets of the child
• No (sufficient) maintenance claims of the foster child against other persons (e.g. against the biological parents)
• Insufficient entitlements of the foster child or caregiver to other benefits (e.g. child supplement)

The income and assets of the foster family are also not sufficient to ensure the foster child's livelihood

• Valid personal documents (birth certificate, confirmation of registration)
• Power of attorney for parents or guardians (power of attorney for personal care)
• Statement of the Youth Welfare Office
• Determination of whether assistance for upbringing is necessary in accordance with the Social Security Code (SGB VIII)
• Proof of income of the child (e.g. child benefit, orphan's pension, half-orphan's pension, maintenance, maintenance advance or other income)
• Proof of the child's assets - e.g. for capital-forming insurance (life insurance, building society insurance, Riester pension contracts and the like), savings accounts, land, real estate, valuables, bank statements of the child
• Proof of the child's health and long-term care insurance
• Rental agreement (if applicable, rent change letter) or proof of the costs for accommodation and heating
• Permission for full-time care from the Youth Welfare Office

This proof is not required for the following persons:

• • Grandparents or great-grandparents
  • Sibling
  • Uncle or aunt
  • Nephew or niece

Note: The scope of the required documents, especially for proof of income and assets, depends on the individual case. Your local social welfare office may require you to provide additional documents, such as current bank statements, divorce decrees, contracts for the transfer of assets or maintenance orders.

There is no deadline.

Note for further information on the processing time: The processing time depends on the individual case. It is a maximum of six months from the date on which all documents are complete.

• §§ 27 – 40 Twelfth Social Code (SGB XII)
• §§ 82 - 96 Twelfth Social Code (SGB XII)
• Ordinance on the Implementation of Section 82
• Ordinance on the Implementation of Section 90

• §§ 27 – 40 Twelfth Social Code (SGB XII)
• §§ 82 - 96 Twelfth Social Code (SGB XII)
• Ordinance on the Implementation of Section 82
• Ordinance on the Implementation of Section 90

If you do not agree with the approval or rejection notice, you can file an objection within one month. Further information on how to file an objection can be found in the notification.

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: No

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance required: No

There are no hints or specifics.

03.08.2023