Sozialhilfe

Social Code XII and Hessian Implementation Act to SGB XII

Due to accident, illness, death of the partner, unemployment, lack of or too low income, anyone can get into need. Then, under certain conditions, he can receive social assistance. Social assistance is a legally guaranteed right. However, this only applies if the person concerned cannot help himself and no one else helps him. It does not matter what caused him to be in distress.

Social assistance comes in different forms:

• in the form of money, both as a current monthly payment and as a one-off benefit
• as a benefit in kind
• as personal help, for example in the procurement of an apartment or a home
• by advising and supporting those seeking help

Social assistance is granted by local institutions (rural districts and independent cities) as well as the supra-local social assistance agency (Landeswohlfahrtsverband Hessen).

Social assistance is divided into 7 sub-areas. Further information can be found under the following keywords.

• Assistance for subsistence
• Basic provision in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity
• Aids to health
• Integration assistance for disabled people
• Help with care
• Assistance to overcome particular social difficulties
• Help in other situations

Those seeking advice and help can contact the social welfare office of their place of residence or the district directly.