Asylum seekers in Germany receive specific basic benefits to cover their essential needs, with amounts varying based on age and household situation.
How Much Money Do Asylum Seekers Get in Germany?
Asylum seekers in Germany are entitled to basic benefits under the Asylum Seeker Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz or AsylbLG). These benefits are designed to cover necessary personal needs and other basic living expenses, excluding accommodation costs, which are typically covered separately.
The benefits are structured to differentiate between direct cash for personal daily needs and additional cash for other general basic requirements.
Monthly Cash Benefits for Asylum Seekers
The following table outlines the monthly cash benefits for asylum seekers in different categories:
| Category | Single Adult | Member of Household (0-5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash for Personal Needs (e.g., food, clothing, daily expenses) | €256 | €180 |
| Additional Cash Benefits for Other Basic Needs (e.g., household items, energy, communication) | €204 | €132 |
| Total Monthly Cash Benefits | €460 | €312 |
Please note: These figures are based on current regulations for initial benefits.
Breakdown of Benefits
- Cash for Personal Needs: This portion is intended to cover individual, daily expenses such as food, clothing, hygiene products, public transport, and other personal items.
- Additional Cash Benefits for Other Basic Needs: This component covers other essential living costs that are not directly personal but part of a household's basic needs, such as non-accommodation-related housing costs (e.g., electricity, heating if not covered by accommodation), communication, and household items. When asylum seekers reside in collective accommodation, some of these needs might be provided in kind.
- Total Monthly Cash Benefits: This represents the combined cash amount an asylum seeker receives to manage their daily and other basic living expenses.
Key Considerations
- Accommodation and Healthcare: It is important to remember that the cash benefits listed above generally exclude the costs of accommodation and healthcare. Asylum seekers are typically housed in state-provided collective accommodations, and medical care is covered separately through a specific system, often involving health vouchers or direct service provision.
- Duration of Stay: The level of benefits can change based on the length of an asylum seeker's stay in Germany. After a certain period (e.g., 18 months), if their asylum procedure is still ongoing or they have a residence permit, they may become eligible for benefits comparable to those received by other recipients of social welfare, such as Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance).
- Comparison to Regular Social Benefits: The benefits provided to asylum seekers under the AsylbLG are generally lower than the standard social benefits (like Bürgergeld) received by German citizens or recognized refugees. For comparison, regular social benefits for a single adult are typically around €563, and for a member of a household aged 0-5, they are around €357. This highlights the distinct legal framework and purpose of the AsylbLG.
- Variations: The exact provision of benefits can sometimes vary slightly by federal state (Bundesland) or municipality, particularly concerning non-cash benefits or specific local arrangements.
These benefits are essential for providing asylum seekers with a basic livelihood while their asylum applications are being processed. For more detailed information on the legal framework governing these benefits, you can refer to organizations specializing in asylum and refugee rights in Germany, such as Pro Asyl.
