You’ve done the math. Your rent is €500, your food is €200, and your Ausbildung pays €800. It’s tight.
German citizens in this situation get government help. But what about you, the international trainee?
The answer is complex, but there is hope. While you generally cannot access “Social Welfare” (Bürgergeld), there are specific subsidies designed to keep trainees housed and fed. Here is the breakdown of BAB and Wohngeld for non-EU citizens holding jobs in Germany.
1. Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB)
This is the main grant for trainees.
- What it is: A monthly cash payment to cover the gap between your salary and your cost of living.
- Can YOU get it? Generally, No.
- BAB is usually reserved for Germans, EU citizens, or non-EU citizens who have already lived and worked in Germany for several years (or have parents who did).
- If you just arrived on an Ausbildung visa, you are likely excluded.
2. Wohngeld (Housing Benefit)
This is your best friend.
- What it is: A subsidy specifically to help pay rent. It is not considered “welfare” in a way that hurts your visa status (unlike Bürgergeld).
- Can YOU get it?Yes, potentially.
- You are eligible if: You pay your own rent AND you have a regular income (your salary) but it’s just slightly too low to cover a “decent standard of living.”
- The Catch: You must prove you have enough money to cover your other costs. If you are completely broke, they will reject you and say “You need welfare, not Wohngeld” (which you can’t get). It’s a balancing act.
3. The “Blocked Account” Release
Remember your Blocked Account? If you have one, that monthly payout counts as “income.”
- Scenario: Salary €800 + Blocked Account €134 = €934 Income.
- This might be enough to qualify you for a small amount of Wohngeld to help with expensive city rent.
How to Apply for Wohngeld
- Go to the “Wohngeldbehörde” (Housing Benefit Office) in your city.
- Bring: Training contract, payslips, rental contract, and proof of payment (bank statement).
- Wait: Processing can take 3-6 months. However, if approved, they pay you retroactively from the date of application!
Summary
Don’t bank on BAB. But do apply for Wohngeld if your rent is high. It requires paperwork, but an extra €100–€200 a month can be a lifesaver.
Note: Always consult with your recruitment agency, get-talent.eu in Europe or a relocation consultant before applying for benefits, to ensure it doesn’t conflict with your specific visa conditions (Section 16a Residence Act).
References
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: BAB Eligibility Check
- Federal Ministry of Housing: Wohngeld Basics