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Rental deposit from the job center: applying for a loan for the deposit

When receiving citizen's benefit, the job center can cover the rental deposit for a reasonable apartment, as a rule as a loan that is later settled in small installments. Important: you must file the application before concluding the rental contract and before moving.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Housing procurement costs and the rental deposit can be covered with citizen's benefit if the move is necessary and the apartment is reasonable, the deposit usually as a loan (SGB II).
The assurance must be obtained before concluding the contract and moving. If you sign the rental contract beforehand, you risk the coverage being refused.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Ask before the contract

    Have the coverage of the deposit assured by the job center before you sign the rental contract.

  2. 2

    2. Set out the necessity

    Justify why the move is necessary (e.g. an apartment that is too expensive or unreasonable, a job center request) and that the new apartment is reasonable.

  3. 3

    3. Clarify the loan terms

    The deposit is usually granted as a loan and withheld from the standard rate in small installments. Have the installment stated to you.

  4. 4

    4. Secure the repayment of the deposit

    Make sure that the deposit flows back to the job center when you move out, so that the loan is settled.

How to spot the scam

  • You sign the rental contract before the assurance is in place.
  • The new apartment significantly exceeds the reasonableness limits.
  • The installment for the deposit loan is unreasonably high.

Frequently asked questions

Does the job center cover the rental deposit?

With a necessary move into a reasonable apartment, the deposit can be covered, as a rule as a loan. You must obtain the assurance before concluding the contract and moving (SGB II).

Do I have to repay the loan?

Yes, the deposit loan is usually withheld in small installments from the ongoing citizen's benefit. When you move out, the deposit flows back to the job center and settles the loan.

What if the job center refuses?

Against the refusal you can file an objection within one month. It is important to justify the necessity of the move and the reasonableness of the apartment well.

Take action now

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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.