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Emergency

BAföG rejected or too low? How to push back

Your BAföG decision is lower than expected or the application was rejected entirely? Errors often happen in the income and needs calculation. You can push back against the decision; the important thing is to meet the deadline.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

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Your chances of getting your money back

Against the BAföG decision you can usually file an objection within one month of notification. In some federal states the objection procedure has been abolished, in which case you must file a lawsuit directly with the administrative court (this is stated in the legal remedies instruction).
Common points of dispute: parental income applied incorrectly, allowances or hardship cases not considered, parent-independent funding. With the right documents it can often be corrected.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Read the legal remedies instruction

    It tells you whether an objection or a direct lawsuit is provided for, and the deadline (usually 1 month).

  2. 2

    2. Check the calculation

    Compare the income applied (yours / your parents') and the allowances with your documents.

  3. 3

    3. File on time

    File the objection (or lawsuit) within the deadline; you can submit the reasons later.

  4. 4

    4. Use advice services

    The student services office, student union social advice and consumer advice centers help free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to challenge the BAföG decision?

Usually one month from notification. Whether you must file an objection or sue directly depends on the federal state and is stated in the legal remedies instruction of the decision. In any case, meet the deadline; you can submit the reasons later.

Why is my BAföG so low?

Often it is due to the parents' income being counted, allowances or hardship cases not being considered. Check the calculation carefully and submit missing proof. In certain cases, parent-independent funding may also be an option.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.