Can I as a foreigner in Germany receive social benefits?
September 10, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
I am contacting you because I am a foreigner living in Germany and unsure if I can claim social benefits. My name is Erwin Busse and I originally come from Poland. I have been living in Germany for five years now and also work here. However, I have been experiencing health problems lately that make it difficult for me to continue working. I am worried about how I will finance my livelihood if I am unable to work.
Currently, I do not receive unemployment benefits or any other social benefits, and I also do not have a permanent residence permit in Germany. I am unsure if I am even eligible for social benefits as a non-German citizen. My biggest concern is that I may no longer be able to support myself financially and will need state assistance.
Can you please help me and tell me if I, as a foreigner in Germany, can apply for social benefits? Are there specific requirements I must meet to receive support from the state? Are there alternatives if I am not eligible? I am grateful for any information and assistance you can provide me in this difficult situation.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Erwin Busse
Dear Mr. Busse,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the entitlement to social benefits as a foreigner in Germany. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially in your current situation with health problems that make it difficult for you to continue working. I will try to answer you as comprehensively as possible and provide you with information that can help you in this difficult situation.
In principle, foreigners in Germany also have entitlement to social benefits under certain conditions. Citizenship is not the only factor, but also the residence status and the duration of stay in Germany. Since you indicated that you have been living and working in Germany for five years, it is possible that you may be entitled to certain social benefits.
Generally, foreigners who reside lawfully and permanently in Germany and work here are equivalent to German citizens when it comes to entitlement to social benefits. This includes, for example, unemployment benefits, basic security benefits, or benefits in case of reduced earning capacity. It is important that you have your residence status and employment situation carefully examined to determine if you are eligible.
If you are not eligible or do not meet certain requirements, there may be alternatives and other support options. These include support services from non-profit organizations, church institutions, or specialized counseling centers for foreigners. It is important that you seek advice early to clarify your situation and explore possible support options.
I strongly recommend that you contact a specialized attorney in foreigner law to discuss your individual situation and receive comprehensive advice. Together, you can assess which social benefits you are entitled to and how you can secure your livelihood even in difficult times.
I hope this information helps you and wish you all the best for your future in Germany. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need legal assistance.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Wagner
Attorney specializing in foreigner law
