Welfare benefits for children: What services are available to children and who can apply for them?
February 5, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Albrecht Dietrich
Dear Social Law Attorney,
My name is Lina Hofmannsdorf and I am concerned about the financial situation of my family. My two children, Max (8 years old) and Sophie (5 years old), urgently need support as we are currently facing financial difficulties. My husband has been unemployed for a year and I work part-time to keep the family afloat. We have not applied for social assistance yet, as we are unsure about what benefits are available for our children and who can actually file the applications.
The current situation is very stressful for us, as we do not have enough money to meet the basic needs of our children. We are worried that they may suffer under this financial burden and not have the same opportunities as other children. Therefore, we would like to know what benefits are available for our children, how to apply for them, and if there are any additional support options.
Can you please explain in detail what benefits children in our situation are entitled to, who can file the applications, and what specific steps we need to take to apply for social assistance for our children? We would be grateful for any information that helps us improve the financial situation of our family and provide a stable environment for our children.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Lina Hofmannsdorf
Dear Mrs. Hofmannsdorf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding financial support for your children Max and Sophie. It is understandable that you are concerned about the financial situation of your family and are looking for ways to provide the best possible support for your children.
In your situation, your children may be entitled to various benefits under social law. These include, among others, the Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII) and the Social Code XII (SGB XII), which includes benefits to secure the means of subsistence. As parents, you have the opportunity to apply for these benefits.
For Max and Sophie, benefits such as the Education and Participation Package could be applicable, providing financial support for school materials, excursions, school meals, and other educational offerings. In addition, children from low-income families may be entitled to benefits such as the Child Benefit Supplement or Housing Benefit.
To apply for social assistance for your children, you typically need to contact the local social welfare office. There, you can submit an application and receive support with the application process if needed. It is important to provide all relevant documents such as income statements, rental agreements, and expense overviews to transparently present your family's situation.
Furthermore, there are other support options available, such as counseling by social workers or family counseling centers. They can help you improve the financial situation of your family and access additional support services.
It is important to take care of financial support for your children early on to ensure they receive the best possible assistance. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with the local social welfare office soon and inquire about the different benefits available.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you and your family all the best for the future.
Sincerely,
Albrecht Dietrich
Social Law Attorney
