Depending on the type of support, basic needs may include housing, food, and personal living costs. The amounts used depend on the relevant benefit and your circumstances. For vocational training assistance, the Federal Employment Agency considers, among other things, the type of training, living situation, distance, and income. Income from training and, where applicable, your parents’ or partner’s income can reduce the payment. For school-based vocational training, student BAföG is available only for eligible types of school and when personal and financial requirements are met; dual in-company training is generally not covered. Apply to the responsible office and submit proof of income and housing. The application month can matter because support generally cannot start arbitrarily far back in time. Eligibility for support does not automatically mean that the full calculated need will be paid.
Basic living costs before vocational training in Germany
Basic needs indicate which ongoing living costs count when planning how to finance training in Germany. Vocational training assistance and student BAföG use standard need rates and take account of countable income and other requirements, so the actual support does not automatically cover all expenses.
Tip
Plan for support as a possible contribution to your living costs, not as a guaranteed replacement for all your income. The relevant type of support, where you live during training, and the income included in the calculation all matter.