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Emergency

Moving while on citizen's benefit: do you need the job center's consent?

You receive citizen's benefit and want to (or have to) move? For the job center to cover the costs of the new apartment, it is important to obtain consent beforehand, otherwise you risk being stuck with higher costs.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Before a move, you should have the job center assure the coverage of the new housing costs (§ 22 Abs. 4 SGB II). If the move is necessary (e.g. an apartment that is too expensive, a growing family, a new job) and the new apartment is reasonable, consent will be given.
If you move into a more expensive apartment without an assurance, the job center may cover only the previous (lower) costs. Stricter rules apply to people under 25.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Clarify the reason for moving

    Is the move necessary (too expensive, too small, for health or work reasons)? That strengthens your claim.

  2. 2

    2. Apply for the assurance

    Before signing the contract, obtain the written assurance that the new rent will be covered.

  3. 3

    3. Check reasonableness

    Make sure the new apartment is within the reasonable rent ceilings.

  4. 4

    4. Moving costs and deposit

    Moving costs, the deposit (as a loan) and cooperative shares can also be covered, so apply for them at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the job center's permission to move?

Not a 'permission' in the strict sense, you are allowed to move. But for the job center to cover the costs of the new apartment, you should obtain an assurance beforehand (§ 22 SGB II). Without it, only the previous, lower costs may be covered.

Are moving costs and the deposit covered?

For a necessary move, moving costs, the rental deposit (usually as a loan) and cooperative shares can be covered. Submit the applications in good time before the move and obtain the assurance in writing.

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.