Housing support – applying for social assistance
There are various reasons why you might lose your home. For example, due to an eviction order for rent arrears, a notice of termination from your landlord for behaviour contrary to the tenancy agreement or because the landlord requires the property for their own use, or even due to a fire or water damage in the property.
If you are at risk of losing your home due to rent arrears, you can apply for social assistance (SGB XII benefits). If you are already receiving basic income support (SGB II benefits) or are entitled to such support, you can apply to your local Jobcentre to have your rent arrears covered. Even if you have already become homeless and need support in renting a new flat – for example, by having a tenancy deposit covered – you can contact the social services department or your local job centre.
In cases of acute homelessness, you can initially be offered a place in emergency accommodation. Please contact your local authority for this.
Responsible authority
the social security office
The social services department is,
- if you live in an urban district: the city council
- if you live in a rural district: the district administration
Please note: In some cases, rural districts have delegated responsibility to larger towns within their district. If you live in a rural district, the district office or the local council in your place of residence can tell you which authority is responsible.
If you are receiving or wish to apply for the Basic Income Support Scheme, the local Jobcentre in your city or district is responsible for your case.
Details
Prerequisite
- Due to rent arrears, you are at risk of losing your homes, or
- you are at risk of becoming homeless, or
- you have already lost your home, or
- your own financial resources are insufficient to cover a tenancy deposit and, for example, moving costs, and you have exhausted all other options for helping yourself.
Procedure
Please contact the relevant authority in person as soon as possible.
Depending on the individual case, your rent arrears may be covered, or staff at the social services office or jobcentre may negotiate with your landlord to help you keep your flat. This financial assistance is usually provided as a loan .
Deadlines
Please contact the relevant department as soon as possible so that you can receive help as quickly as possible.
Required documents
- Identity card or passport
- for foreign nationals: proof of legal residence in Germany
- Proof of income, such as payslips, notifications of unemployment benefit, basic income support, pension or social security benefits
- Documents relating to your assets
- Documents relating to existing debt and maintenance obligations
- In cases of acute homelessness: additional relevant documents demonstrating acute homelessness, such as a court order, notice of eviction or proof of loss of accommodation
- if you are at risk of losing your home: additionally
- documents illustrating the imminent loss of your home, such as a notice of termination, an eviction claim or an eviction date
- Tenancy agreement
- Proof of payment for current rent, such as a bank statement
- If you need a flat: additional documents demonstrating the need to move house, such as a notice of termination, medical certificates, or the tenancy agreement for your previous flat.
Please note: In individual cases, the relevant authority may require further information and supporting evidence from you.
Costs
none
Miscellaneous
If you are interested in social housing, you will need a housing eligibility certificate.
Legal basis
§ 35 Sozialgesetzbuch Zwölftes Buch (SGB XII):
- § 35 Unterkunft und Heizung
- § 36 Sonstige Hilfen zur Sicherung der Unterkunft
- §§ 67,68 HIlfen zur Überwindung besonderer sozialer Schwierigkeiten
Verordnung zur Durchführung der Hilfe zur Überwindung besonderer sozialer Schwierigkeiten:
- § 1 Persönliche Voraussetzungen
- § 4 Erhaltung und Beschaffung einer Wohnung
Sozialgesetzbuch Zweites Buch (SGB II):
- § 22 Bedarfe für Unterkunft und Heizung
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 10.09.2026