# Grundsicherungsgeld Application (formerly Bürgergeld) Apply for Grundsicherungsgeld, which replaced Bürgergeld on 1 July 2026, at your Jobcenter: apply early in the month, send proof, prepare for the first meeting, check the decision, keep appointments and apply to continue in time. - Germany · Government - 8 steps · ~60 days · 5 documents - Last reviewed: 2026-10 - Web page: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_GRUNDSICHERUNGSGELD_DE ## Steps ### 1. Check whether Grundsicherungsgeld fits your situation (1 day) Since 1 July 2026, Grundsicherungsgeld has replaced Bürgergeld as basic income support for jobseekers, paid by the Jobcenter. People who already received Bürgergeld do not need to apply again, and letters may still say Bürgergeld until the end of 2026. In general you can claim if you are between 15 and retirement age, live in Germany, can work at least three hours a day and cannot cover your needs from your own income and assets. The whole household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft) is assessed together. If you recently lost a job with insurance contributions, apply for unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) at the Agentur für Arbeit as well. People who earn a low income may be better served by Wohngeld or the Kinderzuschlag. Rules for asset limits and cooperation changed in July 2026; check the Jobcenter’s current information. ### 2. Apply early in the month (1 day) Apply as soon as you need support. If you apply during a month, you can usually get Grundsicherungsgeld for that whole month, but not for earlier months. The fastest way is the online application in your Federal Employment Agency account (Benutzerkonto). You can also apply in person, by phone or in writing at your Jobcenter; the paper forms are in the download centre. Do not wait for every document: send the application first and the proof as soon as you can. The Jobcenter can only finish its review once it has everything. Online: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/grundsicherungsgeld-beantragen ### 3. Send your proof (3 days) Upload copies in the online form or later through jobcenter.digital, or hand them in. Never send originals: the Jobcenter scans documents and destroys the paper after about eight weeks. Proof of assets only has to be sent when the Jobcenter asks for it. Tip: Name every file clearly and keep a list of what you sent and when. - [ ] ID card, or passport with registration certificate or residence permit - [ ] Bank statements for the last 3 months, all accounts - [ ] Payslips and decisions about other income or benefits - [ ] Rental contract and rent receipts - [ ] Heating and service charge statements - [ ] Earlier benefit decisions and employment certificates, if any - [ ] Health insurance details Documents: ID Card or Passport (with Meldebescheinigung or Residence Permit), Bank Statements for the Last 3 Months (Kontoauszüge), Proof of Income (Lohnabrechnung, other benefit decisions), Rental Contract (Mietvertrag) and Rent Receipts, Heating and Service Charge Statements (Heiz- und Nebenkostenabrechnung) ### 4. Prepare for the first meeting at the Jobcenter (7 days) After you apply, the Jobcenter usually invites you to a meeting about your work prospects. Complete your online labour market profile (Arbeitsmarktprofil) beforehand if asked. Invitations (Meldetermin) are binding: if you cannot come, tell the Jobcenter before the date and give the reason, for example with a doctor’s certificate of incapacity for work. ### 5. Check the decision (Bewilligungsbescheid) (14 days) The decision lists the approval period, the standard rate, your housing and heating costs, any income that was deducted and the amounts per person. Check it carefully: mistakes in rent and income are common. If something is wrong, you can object (Widerspruch) within one month after you receive it; a short signed letter meets the deadline and reasons can follow. See the Widerspruch template for a Formulierungshilfe. You can switch to online delivery of decisions in your Federal Employment Agency account. This is general information, not legal advice. ### 6. Keep appointments and agreements (1 day) Since July 2026 the rules on appointments and cooperation are stricter, and missing appointments or agreed steps without a good reason can reduce or stop payments. Keep every appointment, answer letters by the date they give, and keep proof of your job applications. If you are ill or cannot come, tell the Jobcenter before the date and send proof. Check the Jobcenter’s current information or a counselling service for what applies in your case. ### 7. Report changes straight away (7 days) Tell the Jobcenter immediately about a new job or other income, a change in your household, a hospital stay or travel. Planning to move? Ask the Jobcenter to confirm the new housing costs (Zusicherung) before you sign a new rental contract; otherwise only part of the rent may be paid. Send new utility statements when they arrive. Money paid without entitlement is reclaimed, so report early. Documents: Proof of Income (Lohnabrechnung, other benefit decisions), Rental Contract (Mietvertrag) and Rent Receipts, Heating and Service Charge Statements (Heiz- und Nebenkostenabrechnung) ### 8. Apply to continue before the period ends (1 day) Grundsicherungsgeld is approved for a fixed period shown in your decision. The Jobcenter usually writes before it ends. Submit the continuation application (Weiterbewilligungsantrag) in time, online or on paper, so payments do not stop. Include any changes since your last application. Tip: Set a reminder six weeks before the end of the approval period. ## Documents you'll need - **ID Card or Passport (with Meldebescheinigung or Residence Permit)**: Proof of identity for everyone in the household. With a passport, add your registration certificate or residence permit. - **Bank Statements for the Last 3 Months (Kontoauszüge)**: For every account in the household. Send copies; the Jobcenter scans documents and destroys them after about eight weeks. - **Proof of Income (Lohnabrechnung, other benefit decisions)**: Payslips, earlier benefit decisions, Kindergeld or maintenance payments: anything the household receives. - **Rental Contract (Mietvertrag) and Rent Receipts**: Housing costs are paid on top of the standard rate within limits, so the Jobcenter needs the contract and proof of current rent. - **Heating and Service Charge Statements (Heiz- und Nebenkostenabrechnung)**: The latest statements from your landlord or energy supplier. Send new statements to the Jobcenter when they arrive. ## Official sources - [Federal Employment Agency: Apply for Grundsicherungsgeld online](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/grundsicherungsgeld-beantragen) - [Federal Employment Agency: Grundsicherungsgeld application and decision](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/finanziell-absichern/antrag-bescheid) - [Federal Employment Agency: Requirements, income and assets](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/finanziell-absichern/voraussetzungen-einkommen-vermoegen) - [Federal Employment Agency: Continue Grundsicherungsgeld (Weiterbewilligungsantrag)](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/grundsicherung/weiterbewilligungsantrag) - [Social Courts Act (SGG) § 84: one-month Widerspruch deadline](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgg/__84.html) General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm with the official source before you act. Use this template free in Raaya: https://raaya.cloud/p/bundled_GRUNDSICHERUNGSGELD_DE