4.6 Access to quality services
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Housing
On 29 May 2024, the Federal Government published the National Action Plan Together for a home (“Gemeinsam für ein Zuhause”) with the aim of eliminating homelessness in Germany by 2030. Developed by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen, BMWSB), the plan places a particular focus on young homeless individuals who require special support as a result of the circumstances in which they find themselves. Central to the plan is the Housing First approach, which prioritises the provision of safe housing. This initiative specifically targets young people who have not been effectively reached by youth welfare services (National Action Plan to Tackle Homelessness, NAP – Homelessness, p. 17). Additionally, the plan emphasises support for young women, who often resort to concealed homelessness to avoid emergency accommodation because of the risk of assault (NAP – Homelessness, p. 17).
The National Action Plan is implemented according to the following guidelines with a focus on young people: all homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness are to be offered suitable housing by 2030. Coordinated preventive measures will be expanded and the health insurance status and health care of homeless people will be reviewed in the interests of those affected (NAP – Homelessness, p. 23).
At federal level, a competence centre will be established at the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (Bundesamt für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung, BBSR) to prevent homelessness, which will provide information and advice and network stakeholders with each other (NAP – Homelessness, p. 27).
The individual federal states are also responsible for establishing and implementing their own state programmes (NAP – Homelessness, p. 37ff). In 2019, for example, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) launched the state initiative “Finally a HOME!” (“Endlich ein ZUHAUSE!”). The state government is also funding three pilot projects for homeless youth and young adults in three cities in NRW (NAP – Homelessness, p. 41).
In Germany, local authorities have a legal responsibility to provide housing on the basis of the respective police and regulatory laws of the federal states.
The local authority in which the homeless person usually lives or in which they lived two months before being admitted to the facility is responsible for providing assistance in the facility according to Article 67 of Social Code Book XII (§ 67 SGB XII ) and for assistance in the event of special social difficulties. If a homeless person leaves the municipality and moves around, they lose their usual place of residence. In this case, the federal state – as the interregional social welfare organisation – is responsible for providing assistance.
Points of contact for homeless persons are based in various regional offices (such as the social welfare office (Sozialamt), housing office (Wohnungsamt) or local social services (kommunaler sozialer Dienst). Some cities also have specialised units that are responsible for housing homeless people. The type of accommodation provided is generally shared accommodation. Frequently, local authorities will be able to provide special accommodation for girls and young women. Some cities also offer emergency accommodation (Notschlafstellen) specifically for young people. A wide range of services are also provided by other organisations, notably independent social welfare providers (Federal Agency for Civic Education, Homelessness; Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, Wohnungslosigkeit).
Emergency shelters (Notschlafstellen)
Emergency shelters (Notschlafstellen) can be used by young people and young adults in urgent need of a place to stay overnight. These facilities typically consist of large dormitories with minimal privacy, but with amenities such as washrooms, showers and toilets. Some emergency shelters also provide meals, washing machines, clothing, hygiene products and medical care. The emergency shelters can be used anonymously (Deutscher Caritasverband e.V., Jugendliche auf der Straße).
Young people have no legal entitlement to financial assistance in the narrow sense. In many cases, the youth offices temporarily stand in as sponsors. For instance, emergency shelters for young people accept all young people who come through the door. In such a case, the cost of accommodation and support by social workers is normally borne by the competent youth office. Applicants with an income of their own will usually be asked to contribute an appropriate amount to the overall cost.
Youth residential homes (Jugendwohnheime)
Youth residential homes (Jugendwohnheime) help young people transition out of homelessness. Unlike emergency shelters, youth residential homes offer young people between the ages of 14 and 27 accommodation, meals and socio-educational support. They also provide help with schooling and vocational training. Germany has over 500 youth residential homes, which typically provide furnished single and double rooms. Individualised educational support helps young people adapt to a new daily routine and make contact with others (Verband der Kolpinghäuser e.V.; Auswärts Zuhause. Azubi- und Jugendwohnen; Internationaler Bund (IB), Stationäres Jugendwohnen Berlin).
Accommodation for unaccompanied minors
“Children and juveniles aged under 18 are regarded in the German asylum procedure as being minors. If they enter a Member State of the EU without being accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them, or if they are left there unaccompanied, they are regarded as unaccompanied minors (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Unaccompanied minors; Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge, Unbegleitete Minderjährige).” Unaccompanied minors are first taken into care by the youth welfare office that has local responsibility. This provisional taking into care ensures that they are accommodated with a suitable foster family or in a suitable facility. These facilities or foster families are known as “clearing houses”, which specialise in the care of unaccompanied minors (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Unaccompanied minors). “Initial screening” is also carried out when such minors are provisionally taken into care to establish their state of health and age. The responsible youth welfare office also assesses whether the subsequent placement procedure could endanger the child’s physical and psychological well-being. The possibility of family reunification with relatives living in Germany is also reviewed (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Unaccompanied minors). “A nationwide distribution procedure exists in order to ensure that the unaccompanied minors are accommodated, supplied, cared for and supported in a manner that is suited to the child’s best interests. The distribution procedure is implemented within 14 days. It is ensured when the distribution is implemented that the children and juveniles are accompanied on the way to the youth welfare office to which they have been assigned and that they are handed over to a specialist from this youth welfare office. After this distribution, the youth welfare office to which the minors have been assigned is responsible for their further taking into care. Here too, they are either accommodated with a suitable person – relatives or foster families – or in a suitable facility – such as a clearing house. It is then ensured that guardianship is applied for, further medical tests are performed and the calculation of the need for education and clarification of the residence status is carried out. Based on this, a decision is made as to whether an asylum application will be filed. If an asylum procedure is not promising, other possibilities to secure residence may be considered. In case an asylum application is to be filed, the Federal Office is responsible for conducting the asylum procedure (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Unaccompanied minors,).”
Encouraging Youth by building bridges to independence (JUGEND STÄRKEN: Brücken in die Eigenständigkeit)
The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ) is funding the programme “Encouraging Youth by building bridges to independence” (JUGEND STÄRKEN: Brücken in die Eigenständigkeit) from the ESF Plus (European Social Fund) scheme from 2022 to 2027. It helps municipalities develop services for young people who are transitioning to independent living. Young people experiencing homelessness can receive support within the framework of the project. In particular, care leavers and disconnected youth are guided across institutional and legal boundaries, receiving assistance to help achieve stability and long-term housing (case management).
Mobile youth work / street work
Homeless young people can also seek help from mobile youth work or street work organisations offered under Section 11 (youth work, Jugendarbeit) and Section 13 (youth social work, Jugendsozialarbeit) of Social Code Book VIII (SGB). Social workers seek out young people in need of help in their environment, informing them about possible forms of support and arranging further counselling (Berlin. Bezirksamt Mitte, Sozialarbeit im Außendienst – Mobile Soziale Arbeit). Homeless young people are offered holistic assistance, including support in resolving conflicts with their families or partners, assistance with health problems, criminal prosecution, violence, school problems or career counselling issues, correspondence with the authorities, finding an apartment or improving their accommodation. These services are funded via local authority youth budgets, state youth budgets, private funds and the European Social Fund (Gusy, Streetwork/Aufsuchende soziale Arbeit).
Social services
In Germany, local child and youth services and, in turn, the youth offices (Jugendämter) are responsible for the social concerns of children and young people, provided they are not accounted for under the remit of Social Code Books II and III (SGB II and III) or other marriage or family-related services.
Transfer of custody (Inobhutnahme)
The transfer of custody (Inobhutnahme) is the temporary placement of children or young people in a home or with a foster family to safeguard them from immediate danger. Custody can only be transferred by youth welfare offices and emergency services if no other means of mitigating the risk to the child are available. It is intended as a short-term measure, lasting from a few hours to several days (Caritas, transfer of custody, Caritas, Inobhutnahme). Youth welfare offices and emergency services are legally obliged to provide this protection, as children and young people have a statutory right to care under Section 42 of Social Code Book VIII (§ 42 SGB VIII). The family court immediately reviews the placement (Stadt Berlin, Inobhutnahme). This protection can be initiated by the authorities or at the request of the children and young people themselves (Caritas, Inobhutnahme).
Youth shelters (Jugendschutzstellen)
Youth shelters provide around-the-clock support for young people experiencing personal emergencies and whose return to their family, foster family, home or another youth welfare institution is either impossible or inadvisable from an educational perspective at the time of admission. Youth shelters are usually run by public-sector organisations, such as local authorities. The placement is usually for a short period of time until a longer-term solution is found. The duration is determined jointly by the guardianship court (Vormundschaftsgericht) by consensus with the parents and the child. In cases where the child’s welfare is in danger, the guardianship court decides independently where the child is to be placed and for how long, potentially against the parents’ wishes.
Counselling services
Counselling services help young people improve their situation. They offer guidance and help them find vocational training places, jobs or suitable schools as well as better accommodation. The counsellors explore various child and youth services options and usually work closely with the responsible youth offices and specialist services such as addiction counsellors, debt counsellors, legal advisers and social welfare advisers. Young people receive assistance when they run into trouble with the authorities or their parents.
Youth centres (Jugendzentren)
In Germany, youth centres are open youth work facilities. They welcome all children and young people and provide a wide range of services and leisure activities, some of which can be tailored to specific age groups. Their legal foundation is established in the Children and Youth Welfare Act in Section 11 of Social Code Book VIII (youth work) (§ 11 SGB VIII, Jugendarbeit) and Section 13 of SGB Book VIII (youth social work) (§ 13 SGB VIII, Jugendsozialarbeit). The work of youth centres is organised by the local authority as the provider, but also by the church or other charities (Stadt Berlin, Serviceportal).
Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes)
The legally mandated role of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle) is to provide counselling, carry out research and perform public relations work. Its team of advisers and lawyers provide legal guidance on issues of discrimination and sexual harassment, outline available options for asserting certain rights – such as in the areas of employment, housing and services – work to mediate conflicts through amicable solutions and provide details of local experts. The service is based on the General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) which provides protection to all individuals, regardless of their residency status.
Expert integration services (Integrationsfachdienst, IFD)
To enable individuals with disabilities to fully exercise their right to participate, they receive guidance and support through expert integration services (Integrationsfachdienst, IFD). These services assist individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment or are already employed, and their employers. The focus is on helping school pupils with disabilities and employees of workshops for people with disabilities with their efforts to find a job on the general labour market. The expert information services also inform and advise employers on all matters connected with employing people with disabilities, in particular on removing barriers of all kinds (Berlin. State Office for Health and Social Affairs, Expert integration services, Berlin. Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales, Integrationsfachdienste).
The expert integration services (IFD) operate on behalf of integration and inclusion offices or workplace rehabilitation providers. Their work is governed by the legal framework outlined in Sections 192 ff. of Social Code Book IX (§§ 192 ff. Sozialgesetzbuch Neuntes Buch, SGB IX).
As a rule, the youth office is also responsible for young adults (aged 18 and above). However, some young people may find themselves without access to services, if decisions regarding entitlement to benefits are delayed for an extended period. Generally, assistance is available to young people up to the age of 21; only in certain cases will assistance be provided to individuals aged up to 27. As a rule, however, the beneficiary must be in need of assistance with developing their personality and learning to live an independent life.
Health Care
See also YouthWiki > Health and Well-Being
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Provided their parents are insured under a mandatory or voluntary statutory health insurance scheme, young people under the age of 18 are covered by a family health insurance (Familienversicherung) at no further cost. The statutory health insurance system covers medical treatments. Children and adolescents aged 18 or under are exempt from prescription fees (€5). Non-contributory family health insurance for children ends when they reach the age of 18. For children who are not gainfully employed, coverage extends until they turn 23 (Federal Ministry of Health, Insured persons in statutory health insurance, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, Versicherte in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung).
The statutory health insurance providers cover the cost of the health screening for young people aged 12 to 14 (known as J1). Young people aged 16 or 17 can take part in additional health screenings (known as J2). However, not all statutory health insurance providers pay for the J2 screenings (Federal Centre for Health Education, the J1 examination, Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Die J1- Untersuchung).
Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung)
The Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, BZgA) provides information and material on child and youth health to parents, experts and institutions working in healthcare, early childhood education and education, and child and youth services, but also to children and young people. Its materials and projects reflect recent research, are prepared such that they respond to the target groups in question, and are regularly evaluated and reviewed or redesigned where necessary. BZgA responds to the complex nature of personal and social factors at play in this area with a holistic, lifelong concept to promote the health of children and young people. Its activities are aligned with the life situations of children and young people, and take account of their personal choices and the circumstances under which they live (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung).
Counselling offices for health issues
There is a dense network of counselling offices for child and youth health in Germany. They are run by various facilities, including welfare associations, organisations or local authorities. As a rule, they are open to the general public, although some specialise in counselling young people. Their services are generally free of charge.
Nationwide telephone helplines
Nummer gegen Kummer
The nationwide child and youth helpline (Kinder- und Jugendtelefon), also known as Nummer gegen Kummer (+49-116111), offers confidential and free advice to children and young people seeking assistance. It can be reached Monday to Saturday from 2 to 8 pm. There is also an online counselling service through the website www.nummergegenkummer.de. The child and youth helpline is a service provided by Nummer gegen Kummer and has been funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ), Deutsche Telekom AG, Stiftung Deutsche Kinder-, Jugend- und Elterntelefone, and the European Union since 1991.
Telephone counselling (TelefonSeelsorge)
TelefonSeelsorge is a telephone helpline for callers in crisis (+49 800 1110111 or +49 800 1110222). It is available around the clock, is free and completely anonymous. An e-mail, chat or face-to-face option is also available. The helpline is run by associations affiliated with the two major national churches in Germany: Evangelische Konferenz für TelefonSeelsorge, Offene Tür e.V. and Katholische Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Ehe-, Familien- und Lebensberatung, TelefonSeelsorge and Offene Tür e.V. It is funded by BMFSFJ and Deutsche Telekom AG.
SeeleFon
SeeleFon is a helpline for relatives of individuals with mental illnesses who may feel unsure about how to help loved ones in difficult moments. SeeleFon advisers are volunteers from various areas of self-help. They have a wealth of experience, which they share with callers, supporting them in difficult situations. SeeleFon can be reached at +49 228 71002424 from Monday to Thursday between 10 am and 12 pm and 2 to 8 pm, and on Friday from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 6 pm. The SeeleFon helpline is organised and funded by the Bundesverband der Angehörigen psychisch erkrankter Menschen e.V.
Violence against women helpline (Gewalt gegen Frauen)
The helpline Gewalt gegen Frauen is reachable under the toll-free number 116016 every day, around the clock. Women who have become victims of violence can seek help from the WEISSER RING “Gemeinnütziger Verein zur Unterstützung von Kriminalitätsopfern und zur Verhütung von Straftaten e. V.”. The counselling services can be accessed anonymously and are offered in several languages. The Gewalt Gegen Frauen helpline is run by the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (Bundesamt für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben, BAFzA), while the general counselling helpline is a service provided by WEISSER RING.
Specialised counselling services
Counselling for children and young people
Many local youth offices and non-profit organisations run general counselling services on health, for example youth counselling, a child and youth helpline or an emergency helpline (for victims of violence or rape).
Addiction counselling (Suchtberatungsstellen)
Addiction counselling services offer counselling on drug, alcohol and medication abuse as well as on gambling addiction. There are also addiction counselling offices in the individual federal states. These state offices are points of contact and umbrella organisations for associations and facilities that are active in addiction support and prevention at the federal state level (with the exception of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania). They are organised under the Federal association of state offices for addiction issues (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Landesstellen für Suchtfragen).
HIV/Aids and STI counselling (Beratungsstellen rund um HIV/Aids und andere sexuell übertragbare Infektionen, STI)
These counselling services advise sufferers, relatives, friends, coworkers and teachers who are in personal contact with people living with HIV or Aids and who may have questions, as well as prostitutes, clients and anyone seeking advice on sexually transmitted diseases. Advice is provided on prevention and testing, along with health-related, personal, professional and administrative matters relating to HIV and Aids. The public health authorities offer testing for free or for a small fee, along with consultations. BZgA also offers a telephone helpline and online counselling on HIV and Aids. Don’t Give Aids a Chance (Gib Aids keine Chance) was a campaign to prevent HIV/Aids that focused primarily on encouraging the use of condoms. After almost 30 years, the campaign was rebranded in 2016 under the new umbrella name Love Life (Liebesleben). While Don’t Give Aids a Chance was clearly targeted at HIV/Aids prevention, the new campaign was extended to include other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and new target groups, including young people.
Counselling on sexuality, partnership and contraception
Recognised counselling services on sexuality, partnership and contraception exist in most larger towns and cities. Many public health authorities also offer counselling on these subjects. Additionally, most larger cities have other counselling centres, which vary regionally, including youth welfare offices. These services are also available to children and adolescents. For women facing issues such as violence, assistance is available through girls’ or women’s centres or shelters, women’s counselling offices, women’s helplines, women’s shelters and pregnancy (crisis) counselling offices.
Pregnancy counselling (Schwangerschaftsberatungsstellen)
State-recognised and -funded pregnancy counselling services provide free and where requested anonymous advice on all issues relating to pregnancy, birth, sexuality, contraception and involuntary childlessness. The counsellors have backgrounds in social education, psychology or health and provide advice on public family services, employment rights specific to pregnancy and diagnostic options available during pregnancy. They also provide information on resolving conflicts triggered by pregnancy, on resources available for children with health challenges and on methods to terminate pregnancy. Finally, they provide practical help in asserting legal claims, finding accommodation and childcare, continuing vocational training and accessing follow-up assistance.
Prevention of abuse and counselling for victims of abuse
The sexual abuse portal (Hilfeportal Sexueller Missbrauch) supports victims, their families and other individuals who wish to support them. Local assistance services are listed in a nationwide database. The sexual abuse helpline (+49 800 2255530) provides information and counselling, also anonymously.
The N.I.N.A.e.V. telephone helpline offers support specifically to children affected by sexual abuse. The service can be accessed by phone (+49 800 3050750) or through an online platform. It is available to victims, professionals and concerned individuals from the social environment of children and young people. The helpline is free, anonymous and available nationwide. Founded in 2005, N.I.N.A. originated from an initiative by the Bundesvereinigung zur Prävention vor sexuellem Missbrauch an Mädchen und Jungen e.V. and is funded by private sponsors.
Wildwasser.de, a nationwide network of regional, independent child and youth services providers, offers socio-educational assistance to children, young people and adults who are affected by sexual abuse, and advises friends and relatives of victims, as well as experts and volunteers.
Gambling counselling
Gambling counselling services (Beratungsstellen zu Glücksspielsuch) offer support and advice on issues related to gambling, addiction and treatment. Their target groups are individuals at risk of developing an addiction, those already struggling with addiction, family members, partners and other individuals who regularly interact with persons potentially or actively addicted to gambling. The free telephone helpline (+49 800 1372700) offers anonymous advice, information and emotional support across the country for anyone affected by gambling-related problems. There is also an online counselling service.
Counselling, self-help and treatment for eating disorders
There are professional and specialised counselling services for eating disorders (Beratungsstellen für Essstörungen) that follow recognised guidelines and provide free advice and information to sufferers, relatives, friends and experts. A database run by the Federal Centre for Health Education (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, BZgA) lists the addresses of all eating disorder counselling services in Germany. Professionals who run their own practice provide advice to sufferers for a fee. An anonymous telephone helpline (+49 221 892031) run by BZgA is available to inform sufferers on anything relating to eating disorders and obesity, also in emergencies.
Suicide prevention counselling centres
[U25] Helpmail
[U25] is a suicide prevention platform run by Deutscher Caritasverband e.V. for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts or acute crises. Its mission is to support as many young people as possible through their (suicidal) crisis, providing care and guidance for as long as needed. This service is also available online. The counselling centres are funded by Deutscher Caritasverband e.V. and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ).
Youth-Life-Line
Youth-Life-Lineis an online counselling service specifically for teenagers and young adults up to the age of 21 who are experiencing acute crises or suicidal thoughts. It is a peer-to-peer service, offering anonymous and confidential support online. Youth-Life-Line originated as a pilot project funded by the Landesstiftung Baden-Württemberg. Half of its funding comes from public subsidies from cities and districts, the other half from private donations.
MANO
MANOis a counselling service aimed at individuals aged 25 and older who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. It builds upon the [U25] counselling model. Specially trained volunteers provide support in a fully anonymous counselling system. MANO has been available since 2023 and is funded by the ARD TV lottery.
Professional development for health care mediators
According to federal state legislation regarding professional chambers and health care professions, as well as professional codes and further training regulations, doctors and health care professionals are legally required to undergo ongoing training. The professional chambers in the federal states offer recognised further training. The German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) website provides an overview of further training opportunities. The German statutory pension insurance scheme (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) also has information and advice on further medical training. The GKV network portal (GKV-Netzwerk) has free information for employees of statutory health insurers, insurance funds and the relevant public authorities. The website Kindergesundheit-info.de offers information about children’s healthy development and is a valuable source for experts.
Child benefit (Kindergeld)
The state provides child benefit (Kindergeld) for all minors under the Federal Child Benefits Act (Bundeskindergeldgesetz, BKGG) and the Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz, EstG). Parents are required to submit a written application to the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) to receive child benefit. Child benefit is not means-tested and is available for every child from birth until their 18th birthday. The benefit amount is €250 per month for each child. If the child is registered as unemployed or seeking work, child benefit can be extended until their 21st birthday. It can also be extended up to the age of 25 if the child is pursuing further education, vocational training or school studies, is in a transitional period of up to four months, cannot find a training placement and therefore cannot start or continue vocational training, or is completing a period of recognised voluntary service. Child benefit is paid indefinitely for children who are unable to support themselves due to a physical, mental or emotional disability. This is on the condition that the disability presents before the child’s 25th birthday.
(Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Kindergeld für Erwachsene mit Behinderung).
Supplementary child allowance (Kinderzuschlag, KiZ)
Supplementary child allowance (Kinderzuschlag) is intended for families who are unable to cover the cost of living with their own income. As of 1 January 2024, families receive up to €292 per child per month. The exact amount depends on the family’s financial situation and is regulated by the Federal Child Benefits Act (Bundeskindergeldgesetz, BKGG, § 6a Kinderzuschlag). Supplementary child allowance is calculated on the basis of the parents’ income. The child’s income, such as maintenance, advance maintenance payment or orphan’s allowance, is also taken into account. However, only 45% of the child’s income, and not the full amount, is deducted from the child supplement. Families receiving child supplement and/or housing benefit (see relevant section in this chapter) may also be eligible for additional education and participation benefits for their child, for example free lunches at school or daycare, or a school supplies package (see relevant section in this chapter). Recipients of supplementary child allowance may also be exempted from daycare fees (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Family portal. Supplementary child allowance; Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Familienportal. Kinderzuschlag).
Tax-free allowance for children (Kinderfreibetrag)
The tax-free allowance for children (Kinderfreibetrag) may be claimed instead of child benefit. The tax-free allowance is usually only advantageous for families with higher incomes and is calculated automatically by the tax office. No application is necessary. Unlike child benefit, the tax-free allowance is not paid out directly. It is an amount that is automatically deducted from taxable income. Tax-free allowances for children are: the tax-free allowance for children of €6,384 in 2024 and an allowance for childcare, education or training needs of € 2,928. Each parent is typically entitled to half of this amount. Additional benefits may apply for specific circumstances, such as if the child has a disability or in the case of a pregnancy. When determining the maximum income limit, standard benefits as well as the parents’ proportional share of housing and heating costs are taken into account. Otherwise, the tax-free allowance for children is subject to the same conditions as child benefit in terms of the child’s age (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Family portal. Supplementary child allowance; Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Familienportal. Kinderzuschlag).
Parental allowance (Elterngeld)
Parental allowance (Elterngeld) is a benefit provided to parents of infants and young children. It aims to enable parents to bring up and care for their child while compensating for any loss of income resulting from temporarily working less or not at all after a child is born. Parental allowance helps families secure their financial livelihood, particularly when parents have no income at all. The amount of the allowance depends on the parents’ living and income situation. There are three types of parental allowance, which can be combined: Basic Parental Allowance (Basiselterngeld), Parental Allowance Plus (ElterngeldPlus) and Partnership Bonus (Partnerschaftsbonus). The parental allowance calculator (Elterngeldrechner) helps parents determine their best option. Parental allowance is regulated by the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act: Act on Parental Allowance and Parental Leave (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz, BEEG: Gesetz zum Elterngeld und zur Elternzeit).
Support/maintenance
Every child has a basic right to receive support from its parents. This support can be provided either through care and upbringing or in the form of financial maintenance. Typically, the parent with whom the child lives fulfils their obligation by caring for and bringing up the child. The other parent generally provides financial support. A distinction is made between maintenance for minors and maintenance for adult children. If the parent with whom the child does not live cannot or does not pay maintenance, the child may be entitled to advance maintenance payments from the state. Young adults up to the age of 21 can seek advice about maintenance entitlements from the youth office (Jugendamt). The obligation to provide maintenance is regulated by Sections 1601 ff of the German Civil Code (§§ 1601 ff. des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuchs, BGB).
Advance maintenance payments (Unterhaltsvorschuss)
If a parent fails to pay maintenance, the other parent may be entitled to advance maintenance payments from the state (Unterhaltsvorschuss). The income of the single parent is not taken into account. The advance maintenance is paid in addition to child benefit. A child can also receive this payment if it is not clear who the child’s parent is.
Childcare costs (Kinderbetreuungskosten)
If parents have their child looked after and “[...] they incur costs as a result, two thirds of these costs are tax deductible as special expenses – up to a maximum of €4 000 per child per year” (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. Family portal. Childcare costs; Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Familienportal. Kinderbetreuungskosten). However, the child must be under the age of 14. If the child has a disability that presented before the age of 25, the age limit does not apply and there is a permanent entitlement to childcare costs. Working single parents and working couples can offset childcare costs as income-related expenses or work-related or operational expenses. For non-working single parents and couples where only one partner works, these costs can only be offset when the child is between the ages of 3 and 6 (deductible as special expenses). However, up to the child’s 3rd birthday and between their 6th and 14th birthdays, costs (under certain conditions) for home-based childcare can be offset for tax purposes (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Familienportal. Kinderbetreuungskosten).
Benefits for education and participation (Leistung für Bildung und Teilhabe)
Benefits for education and participation (Leistung für Bildung und Teilhabe), also known as the education package, support children, young people and young adults from low-income families. The education package is intended to give children the opportunity to develop personally and participate in social life.
For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.
Housing benefit (Wohngeld)
Housing benefit helps low-income households cover the costs of living. Tenants receive housing benefits in the form of rent subsidies. Owner-occupants receive housing benefits in the form of cost subsidies. Different factors affect whether and how much benefits can be claimed (total household income, number of household occupants to be counted, amount of rent eligible for subsidies, or expenses if the recipient owns their own home). Every child increases the number of household occupants to be counted and thus the level of housing benefit. Under housing benefit law, child benefits and supplementary child allowance are not included as income when determining eligibility for housing benefit. Single parents receive a tax-free allowance for every child under the age of 12. Children aged between 16 and 24 who earn their own income are also given a tax-free allowance in the amount of their income. “The most extensive improvement to housing benefit to date – the Housing Benefit Plus Act (Wohngeld-Plus-Gesetz) – came into effect on 1 January 2023. The amount of housing benefit was increased significantly with the introduction of a permanent heating cost component and a climate component. On average, the housing benefit for existing recipients has doubled and the number of households receiving housing benefit has tripled” (Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building, Housing benefit; Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen, Wohngeld).
Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, BAföG)
BAföG provides financial support to individuals to help them achieve their educational or career goals. Half of the funding is granted as a state subsidy, while the other half is an interest-free loan that must be paid back later. For more information, go to YouthWiki Chapter 6.6: Education and Training/Social inclusion through education and training.
Funding participation
Under the Federal Participation Act (Bundesteilhabegesetz, BTHG), individuals with disabilities are legally entitled to financial benefits and support that enable them to participate in society. This includes benefits for “social participation: assistance (e.g. supported individual care), personal support at home (assisted living), living in shared housing or specialised accommodation, sheltered workshops, psychosocial care for people with addictions. Participation in working life: work in a workshop for people with disabilities, employment and support for people with disabilities, budget for training or work. Medical rehabilitation: benefits for medical rehabilitation, unless provided by another primary service provider (such as health insurance funds, pension providers) and participation in education: benefits for participation in education, unless provided by another primary service provider (such as schools, universities, special schools, employment agency)” (Berlin, ServicePortal. Leistung der Teilhabe). The costs are financed by the federal government and applications can be submitted to the various funding organisations, such as the employment agency, integration assistance, etc.
Quality assurance
Quality assurance takes place through the monitoring reports (see Chapter 4.1: Social Inclusion/General context/Social Inclusion/General context/National surveys containing information on young people’s social inclusion), for example the family review, Family Report, homelessness report, Child and Youth Report, etc.