Skip to content
Emergency

Additional needs at the job center: more money in special life situations

Many people do not know it: in addition to the standard rate, citizen's benefit provides an additional-needs payment (Mehrbedarf) in certain life situations, that is extra money. If you belong to this group, do not let it pass you by.

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

Apply for additional needs →

Your chances of getting your money back

Additional needs exist, among others, for pregnant women, single parents, people with disabilities (for certain benefits) and for a diet that is costly for medical reasons (§ 21 SGB II), on top of the standard rate.
The additional-needs payment is not paid automatically; you have to apply for it and prove it (for example with a certificate for a costly diet).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check your entitlement

    Do you fall into one of the case groups (pregnancy, single parenthood, disability, illness-related diet)? Then an additional-needs payment exists.

  2. 2

    2. Submit the application

    Apply for the additional needs in writing at the job center, best informally with reference to § 21 SGB II.

  3. 3

    3. Attach evidence

    Enclose suitable evidence (for example the maternity record, proof of single parenthood, a medical certificate for the diet).

  4. 4

    4. Object to a refusal

    If the additional needs are refused or set too low, file an objection within one month.

Frequently asked questions

Who is entitled to additional needs?

Among others, pregnant women (from the 13th week), single parents, certain people with disabilities and people with a medically justified, costly dietary need (§ 21 SGB II). The additional needs come on top of the standard rate.

Do I get the additional needs automatically?

No. You have to apply for it and, depending on the case group, prove it with evidence (for example a certificate for a costly diet, the maternity record for pregnancy). If it is refused, you can file an objection.

Take action now

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

Apply for additional needsCheck a suspicious message
More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

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.