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No money from the Jobcenter? Emergency application at the social court

The Jobcenter denies, cuts, or does not process your application, and you acutely have no money for rent or food? For such emergencies there is interim legal protection: with an emergency application at the social court you can force a quick decision.

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

Emergency / urgent application

Your chances of getting your money back

In an acute emergency you can file an emergency application (interim order, § 86b SGG) at the social court; the court often decides within a few days. The procedure is free of charge for you (§ 183 SGG).
You must make it credible that without the benefit you face a significant emergency (urgency) and that your claim probably exists.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Prove the emergency

    Make clear why it is urgent: no money for rent, electricity, or food, an impending eviction or shutoff. Enclose evidence.

  2. 2

    2. File the emergency application

    File the application for an interim order at the competent social court, in writing or via the legal-applications office, which helps you draft it.

  3. 3

    3. Do not forget the main matter

    In parallel you should file an objection against the decision or pursue the application further; the emergency application only secures the interim period.

  4. 4

    4. Get support

    The social court's legal-applications office, unemployment advice services, and social associations help free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does the social court decide?

In cases of genuine urgency, often within a few days to weeks. That is exactly what interim legal protection (§ 86b SGG) is for; it is meant to prevent you from falling into an emergency before the final decision.

Does the emergency application cost me anything?

No. Proceedings before the social court are free of court costs for those entitled to benefits (§ 183 SGG). For legal help there is advisory aid and legal aid. The legal-applications office also helps free of charge with the application.

Take action now

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

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.