If you want to claim Grundsicherungsgeld, you do not need a perfect application, you need a timely one. Under section 37 SGB II the application takes effect from the first day of the month in which you file it. There are no benefits for the time before. In many cases you can submit the documents later.
This guide shows how to apply, which evidence the Federal Employment Agency names and what matters for assets and rent. It applies to the benefit under SGB II, which has been called Grundsicherungsgeld since 1 July 2026. For the reform overview see the hub on the new Grundsicherung (in German).
In short: Grundsicherungsgeld is applied for at the competent Jobcenter, online through a user account of the Federal Employment Agency or on paper by post (last updated November 2026). The application takes effect from the first day of the month of application (section 37 SGB II). Evidence such as rent and income can be uploaded or submitted later.
Key points
- Benefits are granted only on application and not for the past. The application takes effect from the first day of the month (section 37 SGB II).
- You can apply online with a user account of the Federal Employment Agency or in writing.
- You must prove statements about rent and income. Missing evidence can be submitted later, the final check happens once everything is in.
- For assets, the position on the day of the application counts. Secure bank statements and portfolio overviews for that date.
- You report changes after the application to the Jobcenter without delay (section 60 SGB I).
How do I apply for Grundsicherungsgeld?
The Federal Employment Agency names two routes. Online you file an application with your Jobcenter, for which you first log in to or register a user account of the agency. Alternatively the application can go to the competent Jobcenter on paper, for example by post. Certain forms must be completed for that. The competent office is the Jobcenter at your place of residence.
Timing matters. Under section 37 SGB II benefits are granted only on application, and not for periods before the application. An application for benefits to secure a living takes effect from the first day of the month in which it is filed. Assumption: You file the application on 18 November 2026. Benefits can then be considered from 1 November 2026, but not for October. So do not hesitate to apply, even if documents are still missing.
Which documents and evidence do I need?
The Federal Employment Agency states that certain information must be proved, such as rent or income. The evidence can be uploaded directly in the online application. Missing evidence can be submitted online later. In its completion notes for the forms, the agency names, depending on your situation, these documents among others (last updated November 2026):
| Situation | Evidence named in the completion notes |
|---|---|
| Health insurance | Membership certificate or other proof from the chosen health insurer, within two weeks. Privately insured people submit the premium amount. |
| Bank details | Account statement or other proof showing the IBAN. |
| Home ownership | Purchase contract or market-value appraisal, not older than three years. For debt interest an annual account statement or interest and repayment plan. |
| School, study, training | School certificate, enrolment or de-registration certificate or training contract. |
| Maintenance | Court judgments, orders, settlements, notarial or youth office documents or out-of-court agreements. |
| Identification number | Social insurance card, income tax return or payslip. |
| Residence status | Residence permit, temporary permit or toleration certificate. |
| Special needs | Medical certificate, for example for pregnancy, disability (mark G) or costly nutrition (annex MEB). |
For housing costs there is a separate annex (annex KDU) in which you state, among other things, whether hot water is generated decentrally. A tenancy agreement and the latest service charge statement typically belong to the documents the Jobcenter needs to check the rent, see Housing costs under Grundsicherung (in German). Whether and which further evidence is needed will be stated in your Jobcenter’s request.
What matters for assets?
For assets the market value at the time of the application for approval counts (section 12(3) SGB II). Since 1 July 2026 there is no grace period protection any more, but an allowance by age from 5,000 to 20,000 euros. Household items and a car are disregarded only if they are appropriate. The appropriateness of a car is presumed if you declare it in the application. So declare your car, accounts, securities, building society contracts and property in full. The amounts and protected items are in Asset allowance under Grundsicherung (in German), the grace period for rent in Grace period in Grundsicherung (in German).
What applies to students and graduates?
If you study a course that is eligible for BAföG in principle, you are as a rule excluded from subsistence benefits under section 7(5) SGB II, see New Grundsicherung for students (in German). A certificate of enrolment is therefore among the documents the Jobcenter asks for. After graduation an entitlement can exist if the conditions are met. Whether you are entitled to unemployment benefit I is explained in Unemployment benefit after studies.
What happens after the application?
The Jobcenter checks the documents, asks for missing items and then issues a decision. The agency states that the final check takes place only when all evidence is available. You must report changes in circumstances, such as a move, a new job or new assets, to the Jobcenter. The general duty to cooperate is in section 60 SGB I. You can object to the decision, see Objecting to a Jobcenter decision (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply informally?
The agency describes the online application and the paper application with certain forms. If you are in a hurry, contact the Jobcenter at once and file the application as quickly as possible, because it takes effect from the first day of the month.
Do I have to send all documents immediately?
No. The agency states that missing evidence can be submitted later. The final decision, however, is made only when all documents are available.
Does my old Bürgergeld decision remain valid?
The agency states that decisions issued so far remain valid in substance. For continued approval the notes in your decision apply, more in Switching from Bürgergeld to Grundsicherung (in German).
How long does processing take?
The agency names no fixed deadline on the application page. The more complete the application, the faster the Jobcenter can decide.
Which cut-off date applies to my assets?
The market value at the time of the application for approval or renewed approval is decisive (section 12(3) SGB II). Assets you acquire later are valued at the time of acquisition. So secure bank statements and portfolio overviews for the day you file the application, and report later inflows such as an inheritance or a cash gift to the Jobcenter.
What is in the decision?
The decision names the period for which benefits are granted and shows how the Jobcenter calculated the standard need, housing costs and income. Check it right after receipt for completeness and the right amounts. The appropriateness of accommodation costs is checked for the approval period under section 22(1a) SGB II.
What to do now
- Create a user account of the Federal Employment Agency or download the forms.
- File the application as early as possible in the month from which you need benefits.
- Collect your tenancy agreement, bank statements and evidence of income, health insurance and training.
- Declare assets, car and property in full and secure the balances for the application date.
- Submit missing documents quickly and keep all receipts. For questions about financial planning, support is available at how we work (in German).
Related guides
- New Grundsicherung since July 2026: what young adults need to know (in German)
- Asset allowance under Grundsicherung: what changed since July 2026 (in German)
- Housing costs under Grundsicherung: how the Jobcenter checks rent (in German)
- Switching from Bürgergeld to Grundsicherung: what recipients should do (in German)
- Objecting to a Jobcenter decision: deadlines and procedure (in German)
Sources: Applying for Grundsicherungsgeld, Federal Employment Agency (in German, last updated November 2026); Completion notes for the Grundsicherungsgeld forms, Federal Employment Agency (in German, last updated November 2026); Section 37 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); Section 60 SGB I, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German, last updated November 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
