Account seizure? With a P-account your subsistence minimum stays protected

Your account is seized and you can no longer access your money? No one may take your subsistence minimum. With a seizure-protection account (P-account), a monthly basic exemption stays automatically protected, for rent, food and electricity.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Every bank must convert your current account into a P-account on request. Then a statutory basic exemption per month is protected from seizure (§ 850k ZPO).

For maintenance obligations, child benefit or social benefits, you can have the protected amount increased, with a certificate (for example from debt counseling, a social benefits provider or your employer).

What you should do now

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1. Convert the account into a P-account
Ask your bank in writing to convert your existing account into a P-account. This is your statutory right and free of charge.
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2. The basic exemption works automatically
From conversion, the monthly base amount is protected, even without further action.
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3. Have the exemption increased
If you have children or maintenance obligations or receive social benefits, have a P-account certificate issued and submit it to the bank.
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4. Use debt counseling
Free debt counseling centers (for example Caritas, Diakonie, AWO) help with the P-account and with solving the debts overall.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly must the bank set up the P-account?

You have a statutory right to convert your existing account into a P-account; the bank must do this promptly (as a rule within a few business days). Only one P-account per person is permitted.

What is protected?

A statutory monthly basic exemption (which is adjusted regularly) is automatically protected from seizure. For maintenance, child benefit or certain benefits, the exemption can be increased with a certificate.

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.