The legal clerkship in Hesse (Rechtsreferendariat) pays a maintenance allowance (Unterhaltsbeihilfe) under state law, and your Beihilfe (the state health allowance for civil servants) and health insurance have to fit with it. This guide shows what you can rely on, which rates and out-of-pocket costs apply and what to clarify with the responsible office before you start.
Short answer: The amount of the maintenance allowance follows Hesse state law and can change, so we do not state a figure without a current official source. The Hesse Beihilfe guidance sets a uniform 70 percent for trainees, but does not name legal clerks explicitly. Ask the responsible office in writing. Last updated: October 2026.
The Key Points at a Glance
- The maintenance allowance is set by state law. Get the current amount from the responsible office in writing.
- The guidance on the Hesse Beihilfe regulation names 70 percent for trainees, but not legal clerks by name.
- Even with Beihilfe you pay out-of-pocket costs, for example 4.50 euros per medicine pack from age 18.
- Travel costs for treatment are counted at 10 euros per single journey, up to 100 euros per month.
- Side jobs need clearance before you sign any contract.
How High Is the Maintenance Allowance in Hesse?
The maintenance allowance for legal clerks is paid under state law. Because amounts change, we do not publish a figure that we cannot back with a current official source. Before you plan, check:
- The notice of approval or the letter about your training.
- The rules on the maintenance allowance in current Hesse state law.
- Whether surcharges or family allowances apply, and from when.
Which Beihilfe Do Legal Clerks Get?
The Regierungspräsidium Kassel guidance names a uniform 70 percent for trainees, but does not explicitly mention legal clerks. Until you have a written confirmation, plan cautiously with the base rate for active civil servants of 50 percent (section 15 HBeihVO).
| Case | Rate in the guidance | Status for legal clerks |
|---|---|---|
| Trainees, base rate | 70 percent, uniform | Not named explicitly, please clarify |
| Active civil servants without family | 50 percent | Cautious planning basis |
| Trainees, inpatient care | 85 percent | Applies if the trainee rate fits you |
Which Out-of-Pocket Costs and Refunds Apply?
Even with Beihilfe you pay part of the costs. The guidance of the Regierungspräsidium lists these rules, status 24 November 2021:
| Benefit | Rule | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines from age 18 | 4.50 euros out-of-pocket per pack | section 6 para. 1 no. 2 |
| Travel for treatment | 10 euros per single journey, up to 100 euros per month | section 6 para. 1 no. 9 |
| Two-bed room as optional service | Reduction of 16 euros per day, retention of 18.90 euros per month | section 6 para. 1 no. 6, section 6a |
| Minimum amount per claim | 250 euros | Guidance, no. 5.1 |
Assumption: you buy three medicine packs per month. Your out-of-pocket share is 3 x 4.50 = 13.50 euros, which belongs in your budget.
How Does Health Insurance Fit In?
The clerkship follows the same logic as other training periods: Beihilfe pays one share, and the rest needs a supplement or statutory insurance. Which route fits depends on your status. Our guide for legal trainees covers the options in detail: Krankenversicherung im Rechtsreferendariat: Ratgeber für Juristen (in German).
Family Insurance and Side Jobs: Where Are the Limits?
If you are still covered as a family member through your parents, age and income set the limits. Children are family-insured up to age 25 while in school or vocational training (section 10 SGB V). Whether the clerkship counts as vocational training is decided by the health insurer case by case. Total income for 2026 may not exceed 565 euros per month. A mini-job is a special case up to the mini-job limit.
| Limit | 2026 value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Family insurance, total income | 565 euros per month | section 10 SGB V, GKV-Spitzenverband (in German) |
| Mini-job limit | 603 euros per month | section 8 SGB IV, Minijob-Zentrale (in German) |
For 2027 the Minijob-Zentrale states 633 euros per month. If you want to work next to the clerkship, check your income against these limits before you sign a contract. Side work also needs clearance under the rules for civil servants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work a side job during the legal clerkship?
Side activities are restricted during training. Get written confirmation of whether you may work and how much. The rules come from state law, and breaches can affect your status.
What if Beihilfe does not cover enough?
The remainder stays with you, or you cover it through a supplement. Work through typical costs before you decide, and read the benefit conditions carefully.
Does the Hesse rule also apply to teacher trainees?
Teacher training has its own guide: Teacher training in Hesse 2026/27. It covers base pay by pay grade.
How do I find out the current rate?
Ask the responsible office in writing and request the current legal basis. That answer carries more weight than any summary, including ours.
What You Should Do Next
- Get written confirmation of the maintenance allowance and your Beihilfe status.
- Ask the responsible office whether side jobs need approval.
- Plan with a 50 percent Beihilfe base until you have a written answer.
- Compare supplements on benefits and conditions, not only on price.
Related Guides
- Teacher training in Hesse 2026/27
- Legal clerkship in Hamburg
- Beihilfe in Hamburg
- Health insurance during clerkship: GKV, PKV and Beihilfe
Sources: Regierungspräsidium Kassel, guidance on the HBeihVO, 24 November 2021 (in German), Regierungspräsidium Kassel, trainee base pay from 1 December 2025 (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
