Can I as a foreigner in Germany apply for social benefits?
November 21, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Friedhelm Schmid and I am a foreigner in Germany. For several months now, I have been in a difficult financial situation as I am unable to work due to health issues. I am worried about how I will be able to pay my rent and cover my living expenses, as I have not received any support so far.
My question is, as a foreigner in Germany, am I eligible to apply for social benefits? I have heard that there are certain requirements to be met in order to qualify for social benefits, but I am unsure if I meet them. I have been in Germany for several years and have a residence permit, but I am not sure if that is sufficient to receive support.
I am truly desperate and do not know who to turn to. I hope you can help me and advise me on whether I am eligible and how best to proceed in applying for social benefits.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Friedhelm Schmid
Dear Mr. Schmid,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of applying for social benefits in Germany as a foreigner. I am sorry to hear that you are in a difficult financial situation and have not received any support so far. I would be happy to help you and provide you with some information on this topic.
In principle, foreigners in Germany are entitled to social benefits under certain conditions. It depends on whether you are residing legally in Germany and have a specific residence permit.
In your case, since you have a residence permit, you can generally apply for social benefits. It is important that your residence permit is not temporary, but allows for permanent residence in Germany. Additionally, you should have your habitual residence in Germany, meaning that you predominantly reside here and have your main center of life in Germany.
To apply for social benefits, you should contact the local social welfare office or job center. There, you can submit an application for social benefits and explain your personal situation. It is important to provide all relevant documents, such as your residence permit, income statements, or health certificates.
It may be that initially, it will be checked whether you are entitled to other benefits, such as sickness benefits or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. If this is the case, you will be advised and supported accordingly.
I strongly recommend that you contact the relevant social welfare office or job center promptly to submit your application and clarify your situation. There, you will receive further information and support for your request.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in applying for social benefits. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Wagner, Attorney at Law
