Grundsicherung for students is a niche topic with real consequences. Since 1 July 2026 the benefit under the Social Code Book II (SGB II) is called “Grundsicherungsgeld”, but a basic rule still limits access for students. This guide shows what the statute says, where the exceptions lie and what changed for savings and housing costs.
Older articles on Bürgergeld for students describe the earlier legal position. What follows is limited to what can be checked in the statute as applicable from July 2026, kept apart from what is only planned.
In short: If you study a programme that is in principle eligible for BAföG (state student support), section 7(5) SGB II excludes Grundsicherungsgeld for living costs, apart from benefits under section 27 (last updated November 2026). Section 7(6) lists exceptions. The asset allowance up to age 30 is 5,000 euros.
Key points
- The new Grundsicherung has applied since 1 July 2026 and replaced Bürgergeld. The 13th amending act to SGB II was published on 16 April 2026 (Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 107).
- The basic exclusion for trainees in section 7(5) SGB II depends on whether the programme is in principle eligible for BAföG, not on whether you actually receive it.
- Section 7(6) SGB II lists three exceptions. Whether one fits your case is for the Jobcenter to decide.
- For assets, section 12(2) SGB II sets an age-based allowance: 5,000 euros up to age 30.
- BAföG is planned to rise to 563 euros from the summer semester 2029. That is a bill, not enacted law.
Can students claim Grundsicherung?
As a rule, no. Section 7(5) SGB II excludes trainees whose education is in principle eligible for BAföG from benefits for living costs. Only the benefits under section 27 SGB II remain. The words “in principle” matter: the nature of the programme decides. If you have not applied for BAföG, are above the age limit or receive nothing because of parental income, that does not by itself take you out of the exclusion.
The rule is not new with the reform. It is in the statute the Jobcenter applies, and you should consider it before any application. Overlooking it means counting on a benefit the statute does not grant for living costs.
Which exceptions does the statute name?
Section 7(6) SGB II lists three groups to which the exclusion does not apply. The table paraphrases them (last updated November 2026, statutory text).
| Group | Content of the exception |
|---|---|
| No. 1 | Trainees who have no BAföG entitlement under section 2(1a) BAföG. |
| No. 2 | Trainees whose BAföG need follows certain provisions (sections 12 and 13 BAföG) and who receive BAföG, receive none only because income or assets are counted, or have an application not yet decided. If the office refuses, the exclusion applies from the following month. |
| No. 3 | Trainees at evening schools without a BAföG entitlement under section 10(3) BAföG. |
The groups are narrow and tied to specific BAföG provisions. Whether one fits a university degree is an individual question the Jobcenter answers. If you are unsure, ask before applying and have the assessment explained.
What does this mean with a side job or without BAföG?
A side job does not change the basic exclusion. Income is counted in the BAföG calculation and, if an entitlement existed, in SGB II benefits too. If you study without BAföG, build your funding on other pillars. See BAföG and side jobs (in German) and Student funding in figures 2026/27. For housing costs, housing benefit for students (in German) may also be relevant.
In practice: if you interrupt or end your studies, you leave the scope of section 7(5) SGB II and the general conditions apply. Under section 7(1) SGB II, entitled persons are at least 15 years old, able to work, in need of assistance and normally resident in Germany. Whether that fits you is again an individual check.
How high is the asset allowance during studies?
The asset allowance (Schonvermögen) is the amount of savings you need not use up. Section 12(2) SGB II graduates it by age, per person.
| Age | Allowance per person |
|---|---|
| up to age 30 | 5,000 euros |
| from age 31 | 10,000 euros |
| from age 41 | 12,500 euros |
| from age 51 | 20,000 euros |
The higher allowance applies from the start of the month in which the age limit is reached. The market value at the time of application counts (section 12(3)). Under the version applicable from July 2026 there is no separate grace period for assets. For owner-occupied property the one-year grace period remains, during which the floor-area limits do not apply. Background is in Asset allowance under Grundsicherung.
BAföG has its own asset allowances. They are not the same as the SGB II allowances. For BAföG figures see BAföG 2026: eligibility, amount and repayment.
What changes for BAföG and Grundsicherung?
Under the federal government bill (Bundestag document 21/8405, planned), BAföG for students is to rise to 503 euros from the winter semester 2027/28 and to 563 euros from the summer semester 2029. According to the research ministry BMFTR, this equals the current Grundsicherung level. It is not enacted: the status is a bill in the legislative process. Details are in BAföG reform 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Grundsicherung as a student?
You can always apply. Whether the Jobcenter grants benefits for living costs depends on section 7(5) and (6) SGB II. For a programme in principle eligible for BAföG the entitlement is as a rule excluded.
Does a leave semester change anything?
The statute looks at the programme in principle. How the Jobcenter assesses a case during a leave semester is an individual question. Ask before applying so that you do not plan with wrong expectations.
Does the grace period apply to my savings?
Under the version applicable from July 2026 the grace period for assets no longer exists. The age-based allowance from section 12(2) SGB II applies. For owner-occupied property a one-year grace period remains.
Where do I get a binding answer?
From your responsible Jobcenter. Statutes and leaflets set the frame, the authority decides the individual case.
What to do now
- Check whether your programme is in principle eligible for BAföG. That is the basic question under section 7(5) SGB II.
- Read the three exceptions in section 7(6) SGB II and compare them with your situation.
- Add up your assets and compare them with the allowance for your age.
- Arrange your funding in parallel through BAföG, a side job or housing benefit instead of waiting for an uncertain entitlement.
- Ask the Jobcenter for its concrete assessment before applying. For personal support with financial planning see how we work (in German).
Related guides
- New Grundsicherung since July 2026: what young adults need to know (in German)
- Bürgergeld or the new Grundsicherung: the differences (in German)
- Asset allowance under Grundsicherung: what changed since July 2026 (in German)
- Housing costs under Grundsicherung: how the Jobcenter checks rent (in German)
- BAföG and side jobs: earnings limit 2026 and 2027 (in German)
Sources: Section 7 SGB II, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, last updated November 2026); Section 12 SGB II, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, last updated November 2026); Amendment record, 13th SGB II amending act, Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 107 (in German, last updated November 2026); BMFTR on the BAföG cabinet decision (in German, last updated August 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
