Suspension of means testing
you submit an application for basic security benefits between 1 March and 30 June 2020 and declare that you do not have considerable assets or wealth, you will be allowed to keep your savings in the first six months. The previously applicable regulations for means testing will only take effect after this six-month period.
Assumption of housing costs
If you are eligible for basic security benefits, the Jobcenter will also take care of your housing costs, including heating and utilities. In the case of new applications starting from 1 March to 30 June 2020, the actual amount of these costs will be approved for a period of six months.
No re-applications necessary
Basic security benefits are generally approved for twelve months.
However, the following applies to customers who are already receiving benefits: If you have been granted benefits for a period ending between 31 March 2020 and 30 August 2020 (inclusive), your benefits will be automatically re-approved. In such cases, customers will not have to re-apply for benefits.
The following website contains current information, an overview of the new regulations for basic security benefits and downloadable application forms: www.arbeitsagentur.de/corona-grundsicherung.