Citizen's benefit continuation: the benefit is running out, what to do?

Citizen's benefit is granted for a limited period (often twelve months). After that you have to file a continuation application, otherwise the payment stops. File the application in good time before it expires so that no gap arises.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If you file the continuation application in good time before the approval period expires, the payment generally continues seamlessly. Here too, filing the application preserves the claim from the start of the month.

You must state changed circumstances (income, rent, household). If nothing has changed, the application usually goes quickly; still, attach the required current proof.

What you should do now

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1. Note the expiry date
Check in the last decision when the approval period ends, and file the application a few weeks beforehand.
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2. Fill out the continuation application
Use the form or the online route (jobcenter.digital) and provide current details on income and housing costs.
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3. Attach current proof
Attach current bank statements and proof of income. Clearly mark changes compared to the previous year.
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4. Secure receipt
Have the receipt confirmed. If the payment fails to arrive despite a timely application, follow up and check an urgent application.

How to spot the scam

You miss the application deadline and a payment gap arises.
The job center demands ever new documents and delays the approval.
A change was not taken into account, and the amount is not right.

Frequently asked questions

When do I have to file the continuation application?

In good time before the end of the current approval period, ideally a few weeks beforehand. This way you avoid a payment gap. Filing the application preserves the claim from the first of the month.

What if nothing has changed?

Then the application is usually straightforward. You still have to submit current proof (e.g. bank statements). Confirm in the application that the circumstances are unchanged.

The payment fails to arrive despite the application, what to do?

Follow up in writing and demand prompt processing. If an existential emergency looms, you can file an urgent application with the social court so that a provisional payment is made.

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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.