If you complete the legal traineeship (Rechtsreferendariat) in Bremen, you receive an allowance for living costs (Unterhaltsbeihilfe). This guide explains what the Bremen regulation sets, which figures are documented, where the sources stop, and how to check health insurance and side jobs.
Short answer: In the legal traineeship in Bremen, you receive a living-cost allowance under the regulation on Unterhaltsbeihilfe. We do not state the amount, because the latest figure we could confirm dates from 2024. Ask the responsible office for the current basic amount. The amended regulation says nothing about health insurance or side jobs. Status: October 2026.
The key points at a glance
- The allowance follows the regulation on the Unterhaltsbeihilfe for legal trainees.
- The amended regulation contains no rule on health insurance. Clarify your insurance status with your health fund.
- The amended regulation does not say whether side income is offset. Ask before you accept a job.
What does Bremen pay as Unterhaltsbeihilfe?
Unlike teacher training, the payment for legal trainees is called Unterhaltsbeihilfe, a living-cost allowance. The basis is the regulation on the Unterhaltsbeihilfe for legal trainees in Bremen. The Senate has amended it several times since 2022, including in decisions from 2022, 2023 and 2024. For your planning, the version currently in force counts. The basic amount is the core of the payment and the most reliable planning figure. Supplements, for example for children, depend on your personal situation and should be treated as a bonus until they are confirmed.
The regulation is published in the Gesetzblatt of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, where you will find the version in force. Pay attention to the date of the version and to whether the change applies to your start of training. If you file several applications or change your allowance, note the amount, the date and the notice for each payment, so you can spot differences early.
Health insurance: what you need to clarify yourself
The amended regulation contains no rule on health insurance. Whether you are compulsorily insured in the statutory health insurance (GKV), insured voluntarily or privately depends on your status. This matters, because voluntary GKV membership charges contributions on income, and the allowance can count towards that. An overview is in our guide Health insurance for trainee lawyers and teachers (in German).
The minimum contribution base for voluntary members was 1,318.33 euros per month in 2026. The basic amount is above it. The reduced rate under § 243 SGB V is 14.0 percent, plus your fund’s additional contribution. Source: contribution figures 2026 of the GKV-Spitzenverband, status 1 January 2026 (in German).
Worked example: voluntary GKV (assumption)
| Contribution part | Rate | Amount per month |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance, reduced rate under § 243 SGB V | 14.0 percent | 193.71 euros |
| Additional contribution, 2026 national average | 2.9 percent | 40.12 euros |
| Long-term care insurance | 3.6 percent | 49.81 euros |
| Total without childless surcharge | 283.64 euros |
Assumption: an allowance of 1,000 euros as your only income, and no other contributions. From the age of 23, a childless surcharge of 0.6 percentage points adds 6.00 euros per month. Your fund’s additional contribution may differ. Any side income raises the contribution base.
Side jobs during the legal traineeship
The amended regulation says nothing about secondary activities. How much you may earn on top and whether earnings are offset against the allowance must be asked of the responsible office. Also remember that side income changes the contribution calculation in voluntary GKV membership.
Step by step: check your situation
- Check the version of the regulation in force in the Gesetzblatt of Bremen and note the basic amount with its date.
- Ask the responsible office whether supplements are granted and how to apply for them.
- Ask whether and how side income is offset against the allowance.
- Have your health fund or insurer confirm whether you are compulsorily insured or insured voluntarily.
- Calculate your monthly budget with official figures, not estimates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bremen allowance the same as the teacher trainee salary?
No. In the legal traineeship, the payment is called Unterhaltsbeihilfe and follows its own rules. For teacher training, Bremen pays trainee salaries under pay grade AW A13Z. The amounts are not comparable. Figures for teacher training are in our guide Teacher training in Bremen (in German).
Am I automatically health insured as a legal trainee?
The regulation does not answer that. Your status determines whether you are compulsorily insured or insured voluntarily. What matters is that no gap in cover arises.
Which amount applies in 2026?
The latest amendment we evaluated dates from March 2024. We could not conclusively confirm whether adjustments were made since then. The responsible office will give you the amount currently in force.
Where do I find the regulation?
The regulation is published in the Gesetzblatt of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. Search for the regulation on the Unterhaltsbeihilfe for legal trainees.
Related guides
- Law student insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Rechtsreferendariat in Berlin
Sources:
- Contribution law figures 2026, GKV-Spitzenverband, status 1 January 2026 (in German)
- § 243 SGB V, Gesetze im Internet (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
