Wefugees - Recent questions and answers in Money

Answered: After being insured with AOK for a while, I receive asylum seekers money again - Do I need to pay the insurance myself?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:43:29 +0000

The only thing I have to say is DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENT that you are not comfortable with or that your lawyer hasn’t gone through. Your signature binds you to the agreement. Hopefully someone here will also be able to assist you further.

Answered: Raising funds and residence permit

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:17:09 +0000

Hi @Malcolm

To answer your questions:

The common form of an NGO association in Germany is called a ‘Verein’. A Verein can be registered (in German ‘eingetragener Verine’, often shortened to e.V.) with the Amtsgericht court in the area where it is set up or can also exist as a non-registered association. As far as I can tell, there are no restrictions on asylum seeker setting up an NGO. There may be restrictions on the particular role an asylum seeker can have in the organisation which in my understanding is to do with issues such as personal liability.

If an asylum seeker is to be paid for their work with the organisation, then they require the permission of the Ausl#ändebrehörde to do so. They are not allowed to do any self-employed work (e.g. as a contractor for the NGO).

There is a wide range of funding available to organisations in Germany. This can be at the local, state, federal or EU level. I do not have any particular insight into what source of funding would be best suited but I imagine looking at the larger church organisations and foundations ‘(Stiftungen’) would be a good place to start. Here is a good general overview of funding structures and tips on applications:

https://deutsches--ehrenamt-de.translate.goog/foerdermittel/foerdertipps/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

I used an online translation to put it in English as most of the detailed information in the area of setting up an NGO (called ‘Vereinsgründung’) is in German. But I did find this useful guide in English to setting one up:

https://***.house-of-resources.berlin/leitfaden-zur-vereinsgruendung/

There are also specialised organisations across Germany also which assist groups who wish to set up their own Verein.

I do not know of any way to directly obtain a residence permit from such activities. There is the option to get a visa in Germany for volunteering. This is called ‘Bundesfreiwiligendienst’ and so if the NGO offers such a role, then he could apply for a visa to do so. This, however, would require him to leave Germany and go through the visa process; it would not be a long-term perspective to stay in Germany.

The only other possible influence I can think of that such work would have on a person’s immigration status is if the asylum case is rejected and he applies for a humanitarian residence permit from the hardship commission (Härtefallkommision). This type of permit is issued in a small number of cases where a person otherwise has no entitlement to a permit but has credible ‘hardship’ grounds to be given one. In addition to the central requirements such as having a passport and being financially secure, things like volunteering and generally benefiting the wider community have a positive influence on a person’s application. But please note this type of permit is only for exceptional cases.

Best,

Éanna

Answered: At what stage does my Asyl benefits as Asylum seeker comes to the end?

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 07:17:57 +0000

Dear @Freetown,

Welcome to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us.

First of all, congratulations to your completed "Ausbildung" - this is a very big and important step!

Regarding the situation described, I can totally comprehend your struggle and your need back then to furnish your apartment. But as far as I understand, you did not inform the "Sozialamt" about the Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB) which you received as an additional allowance. This would have been necessary as the Sozialamt then would have been recalculating your income and subsequently your needs. Asylum seeker benefits are paid out on a subordinate basis. Unfortunately, regardless whether it's "Bürgergeld" or asylum seeker benefits, the social money will always take into account any income of an applicant (and adjust the social money accordingly).

Maybe you can approach it this way, in an emergency situation you were able to set up a home for yourself. Now you earn money and can pay it back like a loan. This does not mean that I encourage cheating the authorities (as this can have severe consequences). However, as you did not know about your obligations, I would just try to sort it out as quickly as possible. You may ask a counselling office for support in the negotiations i.e. in terms of an installment agreement. They can also check with you if the demands/the sum is actually correct.

In any case, please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Hallo Freunde, ich benötige finanzielle Unterstützung für die Deutschprüfung,(B1)

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:53:27 +0000

Hallo und herzlich Willkommen bei Wefugees!

Ich könnte dir jetzt keine direkte Adresse nennen, bei der du finanzielle Unterstützung für einen Deutschkurs (oder vielleicht lediglich eine Prüfung?) erhältst. Aber ich empfehle dir, dich in einer Flüchtlings- oder Migrationsberatung beraten zu lassen. Zusammen könnt ihr deine Situation und die Möglichkeiten genau prüfen (wie z.B. die Option, dass eine Behörde einen Kurs fördert oder du vielleicht kostenbefreit einen Integrationskurs machen könntest). Manche Organisationen, bei denen die Beratungsstellen angedockt sind, haben auch kleine Budgets aus z.B. Spendengeldern, um in Einzelfällen Menschen bei finanziellen Schwierigkeiten zu helfen. Eine Beratungsstelle in deiner Nähe findest du mit dieser Suchmaschine.

Ich hoffe, dass dir diese Infos weiterhelfen und komme doch gerne bei weiteren Fragen wieder auf uns zurück!

Viele Grüße,

Meike

Answered: Where can i get financial help to translate my documents to German

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:25:48 +0000

Hi @Collins1506

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any way to get financial support with this. While BAMF takes care of translations during the asylum procedure and that are submitted at the interview (Anhörung), if it a court case then it is seen as your responsibility.

There is the possibility for the Sozialamt to provide additional benefits in certain circumstances. One of these is to cover the costs of a person’s administrative obligations. An example of this would be if they could not pay for the travel costs to their interview with BAMF. However, again here I think that as you have taken the court case you have to cover the costs.

An organisation providing free consultations on the asylum procedure (called ‘Asylverfahrensberatung’ in German) would be better able to answer this than me. Here you can search for one in your area:

https://adressen.asyl.net/language/en/welcome-to-informationnetwork-asylum-and-migration/

Best,

Éanna

Answered: How can I claim money I didn't recieve from my employer after maternity leave?

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:12:25 +0000

Your employer is responsible to pay "Mutterschaftsgeld". They will pay retroactively. If they deny, get a lawyer.

Answered: My Bank does not offer a P-Konto (technically it's a dutch bank which provides German IBAN) What can I do?

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:25:03 +0000

Hi @AG1987

Any German bank must allow you to open an account with them. All banks then have to change this basic account (Basiskonto) into a P-Konto within four days if you ask them.

Here you can find detailed information on this (in English via online translation) from the organisation called the Verbraucherzentrale:

https://***-verbraucherzentrale-de.translate.goog/wissen/geld-versicherungen/kredit-schulden-insolvenz/fragen-und-antworten-zum-pfaendungsschutzkonto-pkonto-5959?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

The Verbraucherzentrale works on protecting consumers' rights in Germany. They have offices throughout Germany and are the best people to speak with if you have any difficulty with this matter (e.g. a bank refuses to open an account for you or to change it into a P-Konto).

Best,

Éanna

Answered: Kindergeld information

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 07:58:07 +0000

Dear @Simi,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for your question.

While holding an "Aufenthaltsgestattung" or "Duldung" people can usually not apply for Kindergeld. However, the German parent may apply for the child instead. If you are about to receive a residence permit, it could make sense that you apply now (as you will be eligible as soon as you receive it - depending on the type of residence permit) and submit the residence permit a bit later in the application process.

I hope this helps and don't hesitate to get back to us if you want to discuss your case further or any other questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Can i get my money from abroad to german account

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:53:42 +0000

Hallo, Its best you contact your lawyer because the moment that huge amount is transferred to you, you will be in trouble. Another thing if you were able to care for yourself in your country why didn't you apply a work permit etc to save yourself from all this asylum procedure.Its not easy. All the best.

can i send money to my country which i received by social benefits every month as a refugee,not working.

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:33:01 +0000

Answered: Can Asylbewerber recieve Kindergeld

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:56:42 +0000

Dear @Mariam_1997,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for your question.

As far as I know, asylum seekers are usually not entitled to receive Kindergeld (child benefit) as long as they hold an “Aufenthaltsgestattung” - even if they work. There are exceptions for people from Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco though. If you are not from one of these countries and and employee, I’m afraid that you won’t be able to get Kindergeld.

For further information in various languages you may check Handbook Germany as well.

I hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: How do I inform the Finanzamt of change in my income and how do I pay my taxes?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:18:29 +0000

Thank you very much. I will contact the services you have mentioned to see what they offer. For those who might find it helpful, I will share what I have learned so far.

Generally I was able to learn recently that everything is declared together in the following year with the tax returns - I believe this is a form that is submitted via ELSTER. For any income that can be deemed as exemptions I would still have to declare it on the returns form but also provide documentation as to the nature supporting exemption (e.g. that the scholarship is funded by a non-profit organisation and from public funds etc.) There are several items that can be deducted from taxes such as health insurance and pension payments, work related costs such as the purchase of specific items (e.g. laptop, charging devices, microsoft applications etc.). However I think speaking to a tax advisor might be helpful to identify these things.
After the tax returns are filed you would receive a communication from the Tax Office invoicing you for whatever you need to pay and they will also inform you payment details such as account numbers, method and deadlines. The deadlines I believe are usually lenient, as in if the amounts are large it can be paid in instalments.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,

Answered: Hello, I applied for asylum in Germany about a month and 25 days ago. I need to earn and support my family.

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:35:26 +0000

You can’t work without permission and again the process of your application can vary to a year + without hearing from BAMF l experienced that.

Answered: I work and live in Germany for 6 years - (How) Can I receive "Elterngeld" and "Kindergeld"?

Sat, 20 May 2023 09:32:49 +0000

If your application is turned down by the German government, you should talk to a counseling office as soon as possible to see if you can get help appealing the decision on time. x trench run

Answered: Kindergeld antrag with Aufenthaltstitel 19d.

Sat, 06 May 2023 14:32:19 +0000

Dear MIKE 130,

after doing some research, I agree that someone who has a residence permit according to section 19d of the AufenthG is in principle entitled to child benefit.

I have looked up reasons for the refusal of Kindergeld despite this type of residence title. On https://familienportal.de/familienportal/familienleistungen/kindergeld/faq , a website of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, I found the following information:

Firstly, you may be only entitled to Kindergeld if your children also live in Germany (or if they live/are registered in another member state of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland).

Secondly, child benefit might be refused if you already receive a benefit similar/comparable to Kindergeld (e.g. from another state).

Thirdly, your child must not be over 18 years old. If your child is unemployed, Kindergeld is paid until they turn 21. If your child is undertaking vocational training, you will receive child benefit until they reach the age of 25.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, I recommend the above mentioned website where the information is provided in English (and several other languages) as well.

Kind regards!

Answered: Can one apply for kindergeld with resident permit paragraph 19d ?

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:18:01 +0000

Hi @MIKE 130,

From my reading of the law on Kindergeld, with the resident permit 19d you are entitled to it. The law only refers to the residence status of the parent and does not make reference to the child having to have a particular type of residence permit or any at all. Apply for it with your local Familienkasse. If the Familienkasse make any issue of the fact that your children do not have residence permits, request that they provide you with the legal basis for questioning this.

Best,

Éanna

Answered: Self-employed IT from Ukraine

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 12:48:28 +0000

Dear @JaneMir,

Welcome to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us.

Unfortunately, I am not a tax expert. I am afraid that you may have to get support by a so-called "Steuerberater" (tax consultant or accountant). I was making some research to find out if you can ask a "Lohnsteuerhilfeverein" (income tax help association) for help. But as far as I read, they are only allowed to provide counselling for employees and not for self-employed people. Nevertheless, you could still contact an association in your city to be sure (using this search engine).

In any case, please also don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: German Blocked account closing

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:58:21 +0000

Dear @Dani321,

The answer depends on what is happening with your studies. If you are continuing to study, you can retain the residence permit you had. For this you will have to continue to leave the blocked account intact. You can continue studying while your asylum case is being processed.

The alternative is to end your student residence permit. This would mean you would be issued with a temporary residence paper 'Aufenthaltsgestattung' and would be entitled to social benefits for asylum seekers. You can apply with your local Ausländerbehörde to have blocked account ended and the money returned to you. However, you will be obliged to use some of this money to support yourself first before being able to access benefits. The amount you are allowed to keep depends on which exact type of asylum seeker benefits you receive.

Please note that if you end your student permit and your asylum application is unsuccessful, it is not possible to change back to a student residence permit or to another one such as a working permit.

Best,

Éanna

Answered: SGB 2 within 1 Bedarfsgemeinschaft

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:24:42 +0000

Dear @Katjakatja,

Welcome to the Wefugees Community and thank you for your question.

If I understood correctly, the married couple/the parents are the only members (i.e. no minor children etc.) of the "Bedarfsgemeinschaft" ("community in need" or community of dependance") and as such calculated commonly as one "unit" by the Jobcenter, right? To be sure about the calculation, one need to have a **** at the Jobcenter's "Bescheid", but I assume it is rather unlikely to be officially "in need" of social money if someone working full-time with minimum wage (roughly earning around 1500 EUR after tax), "only" has to cover the costs of two people and has not even to pay rent.

If you guys have doubts about the Jobcenter's calculation, you may see a social counselling ("Sozialberatung") or migration counseling office - the social workers can help you to check it.

In any case, please also don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Can I apply for "Niederlassungerlaubnis" while receiving "Elterngeld" and/or "Kindergeld"?

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:39:03 +0000

Hello and welcome back to the Wefugees Community!

When applying for a permanent settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis), the immigration office will consider the prognosis - the chance that you will be able to cover your life expenses in the future as well (secure subsistence).

In section 2 "Definitions" of the German Residence Act it says:

(3) Foreigners have a secure subsistence if they are able to earn a living, including sufficient health insurance coverage, without recourse to public funds. Drawing the following benefits does not constitute recourse to public funds:

1.  child benefits [Kindergeld],

2.  children’s allowances,

3.  child-raising benefits,

4.  parental allowances [Elterngeld],

5.  educational and training assistance in accordance with Book Three of the Social Code, the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) or the Upgrading Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz),

6.  public funds based on own contributions or granted in order to enable residence in Germany and

7.  payments made in accordance with the Act on Advance Maintenance Payments (Unterhaltsvorschussgesetz).

Receiving Elterngeld or Kindergeld clearly doesn't have a negative influence on your secure subsistence. The immigration office may check how you will cover your costs in the future, though. However, if you are getting back to work after the "Elternzeit" and/or your partner is supporting you and the family sufficiently, you shouldn't worry (and fulfill the other requirements).

Do you agree dear @mbeon-Christine or @mbeon-fardeen?

In any case, please also don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

My woman newly give birth and my daughter is 2 month but my daughter is not being paid

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 10:47:48 +0000

My woman newly give birth and the child is 2 month old and the government is not paying my daughter why is that so.

Answered: Child's right with child 's support

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:01:26 +0000

Hello dear @Lydia,

thank you for sharing your question with the Wefugees Community.

Basically the Kindergeld is considered as income of the child and because the underage child lives with you, the Kindergeld is deducted from the total amount of money you/your family get from Jobcenter.

If your child is no longer underage and does not live with you and you send his Kindergeld each month to him via his/her bank account to him/her or you give him/her this money in bar and you have proof for that, you can regularly send this proof to the Jobcenter and the Kindergeld will no longer be deduced from your Jobcenter support.

I hope, I could have answered your question. I am a MBEON consultant. If you wish to contact me directly, you can have a **** at my profile and follow the instructions there.

Best wishes

Fardeen Noori

Loan without proof of income

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 22:42:24 +0000

Hallo, Is it possible to apply for personal Loan without employment? If yes where can one apply? Thank you

Answered: Urgent help with Kindergeld problems please

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 08:18:29 +0000

Dear @Lydia,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us again.

If the Jobcenter was already paying an allowance for the new born over the last 7 months, it is correct to deduct the money now and they can ask for the refund of the paid money from the Agentur für Arbeit (Kindergeldkasse) - not from you! Sometimes it’s a bit irritating and people receive a letter for their information only but which is actually addressing the Agentur für Arbeit (asking for the refund).

If the Jobcenter didn’t pay any allowance for the newborn, it can not ask for a refund for the last months - it is correct, though, to deduct the money from the newborn‘s allowance as soon as you actually receive the Kindergeld.

As this process can get really complicated, I advise you to take your papers to a counseling office and together you can calculate everything and make sure that no money gets lost. In Eschweiler, there is an AWO-Office, for instance. Just follow the link for the contact details.

I hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike PS.: I saw that you opened another thread about this. In order to keep a better overview and information in one place, I will close it. I hope it’s okay for you.

Answered: Kindergeld benefits for my child

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:52:38 +0000

Dear Lydia,

unfortunately I can't tell you with full certainty what the reason for the delay is. It is important for you to know if you have submitted all documents. The best way to do this is to contact the family benefits office in charge. Unfortunately, some federal states have experienced delays due to the summer vacations.

In general, you can find out on which day your child benefit should theoretically be paid out by looking at your child benefit number. Please have a **** at this website:

https://***.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/auszahlungstermine?pk_vid=ca8015b93bfbe7981665562673adb8d3

Take the last number: xxxFKxxxxx9 here for example the 9, payment 21.10.

I hope to have helped you with this. Feel free to contact us if you still don't get an answer from the family fund, then we can think again together. In my experience, the offices just always take a little longer to answer.

With best regards
Saskia

Answered: Can I get Kindergeld if my husband doesn't earn much money?

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:42:37 +0000

Dear @Jeddy,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us again.

If you hold a valid residence permit (better to say the applicant for the Kindergeld), you are entitled to receive Kindergeld. The Kindergeld is independent of the work income/salary. In case your husband does not earn enough to cover your basic costs of living, he may apply for "Arbeitslosengeld 2" (unemployment money) at the jobcenter or asylum seekers benefits (while holding a so-called "Aufenthaltsgestattung" or "Duldung"). Please be aware that the Kindergeld will be considered in the overall calculations by the jobcenter as well - they will even oblige you to apply for Kindergeld as soon as you apply for unemployment money ("vorrangige Leistung").

Does this answer your question? If not or not fully, please don't hesitate to get back to us again.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: What should I do if I haven`t received a Kinderbonus?

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 13:09:03 +0000

Hi @Natalia,

There are three separate additional payments at the moment.

Jobcenter bonus of 200€ in July (one off payment)
Additional social welfare for children from the Jobcenter: 20€ every month from July
Kinderbonus: 100 Euro from the Familienkasse in July (one off payment)

It seems you have received payment one and two. For the third payment you need to be in receipt of Kindergeld from the office called the Familienkasse. The third payment was paid out by the Familienkasse between July 5 – 19.

If you are in receipt of Kindergeld and did not receive the Kinderbonus, then it is the Familienkasse you need to contact. It’s important to know that Kindergeld is only paid out for children after reaching the age of 18 in certain situations:

The child is waiting to begin studies or an apprenticeship (up to four months)
The child is studying or doing an apprenticeship
The child is registered as looking for work or apprenticeship with the Jobcenter

You also wrote you received a total of 220 euros for a family of two. Do you mean a total bonus of 220 euros in addition to the Kindergeld and regular money from Jobcenter? If neither of you are working and you are only receiving 220 euros in total each month, then this amount is far too low and incorrect.

Best,

Éanna

How can I prevent myself from being in debt?

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 05:06:09 +0000

So I became a gym member in the year 15.11.2021. After a few years of attending fitness studio I cancelled the contract due to health issues and 12 days of working time period. I only revoked the amount of june. Soon I received a letter stating that I must pay 492.67 euro. I have only revoked the amount of june. I received a letter from inkasso. Are they asking me to pay the rest of the amount together that have been withheld from june till november? Rechnungsnummer Beitrag##27.6.2022. Beitrag##25.07.2022 Beitrag##22.08.2022 Beitrag##19.09.2022 Beitrag##17 .10.2022 Gebühr 22.6.2022 Gebühr 22.6.2022 Gebühr 8.6.2022 Gebühr 08.6 .2022 Beitrag 30.05 .2022

Answered: Being independent through Ausbildung – Am I allowed to transfer money to my loved ones?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:28:58 +0000

Hello @Sidra, thank you for contacting WeFugees with your question. You say that the room in the shared apartment is provided by the social welfare office. It sounds to me like you are living in municipal accommodation and paying a "user fee" to the city. The difference to living in a private (own) shared apartment: You have signed a rental contract with the landlord yourself and also have your own contracts, e.g. for electricity, gas, water. If you live in municipal accommodation but support yourself financially (user fee/rent, living costs), it is nobody's business what you spend your money on. You can spend it, save it, give it to your family, etc. It is only looked at the moment you need or apply for social benefits. This is because our system of social benefits is based on supporting people in need HERE, not back home. However, your description could also be understood to mean that you receive housing benefit. The law is quite specific about who is supported by housing benefit. The decisive factors are, among other things, the amount of rent and the amount of income. In your case, this would mean that you have been specifically checked to see whether you are supported by vocational training allowance (BAB) or housing benefit. If you receive financial support, it is up to you what you do with the rest of your money - as long as you do not claim any other social benefits. It is important to note that if there are any changes in your financial situation (e.g. if you earn more in the second or third year of training), you must report them immediately. A new calculation will then be made and this may result in your housing allowance being reduced or cancelled. However, this is independent of your decision on how to spend your money. I hope I have been able to help you with this and wish you all the best. Gabriele

Answered: Can I apply for a "mutterschaftsgeld"?

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:52:05 +0000

Dear @Faga0206,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us again.

Handbook Germany is explaining the "Mutterschaftsgeld" as following:

If you are pregnant and working, you are entitled to "maternity benefits" ("Mutterschaftsgeld")- you need to apply for it at your health insurance seven weeks before the childbirth. To apply, you need a certificate (from your doctor) which specifies the expected date of birth. You need to send this certificate directly to your health insurance. In case you have a mini-job or are privately insured, you will receive reduced maternity benefits.

If you you fulfill the respective requirements, you are entitled to receive the maternity benefits for up to eight weeks after you gave birth. Therefore, this type of benefits may in general not be relevant for you anymore. For more details, you may also want to see this website by the German government.

Is it possible that the social worker from the Diakonie was explaining about the "Federal Foundation - Mother and Child"? This foundation is supporting families in need - please follow the link for more details.

I hope these information are useful for you and please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Giro account Sparkasse

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 20:15:42 +0000

Hi Coop,

yes, if Sparkasse has increased their fees within the last years, you could reimburse the difference with the sample letter from the linked website, because you didn't actively agree to the terms.

The BGH had ruled on 27 April 2021 that if a bank’s general terms and conditions deemed the customer’s consent to changes to the terms and conditions to have been given, without any restrictions as to the content of such changes, and thus also to changes to fees, such terms were invalid.

Do you want to switch banking accounts? From Sparkasse to Commerzbank? Or could you give more information about your second question?

Have a nice evening.

All the best,

Anita

Answered: Wohin kann ich Geldspenden?

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:40:19 +0000

Liebe Rosa,

es gibt natürlich sehr viele NGO´s die momentan auf Geldspenden angewiesen sind.

Mir fällt spontan der Tafel e.V. ein, aber Fortuna e.V : https://***.fortuna-hilft.de/ukraine-menschen-und-tieren-helfen/ und https://***.betterplace.org/de. Auf Betterplace.org kannst du auch kleinere Projekte unterstützen wie zum Beispiel Leila die Brot mit Freunden Brot in Kiew backt : https://***.betterplace.me/leila-bread-for-kyiv

LG Tim

Answered: How can I transfer money to Syria?

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:04:33 +0000

Unfortunately, you can't send money to Syria, As a result of the civil uprising in 2011, Syria is currently subjected to financial sanctions.

Answered: N26 Bankkonto als Flüchtling eröffnen?

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:04:18 +0000

Hallo @Abdulwkl,

danke für deine Frage! Schau mal auf diese Webseite und folge dem Link "ich wohne in Deutschland". Dann öffnet sich eine Liste, die genau aufzeigt, welche Dokumente bei der jeweiligen Nationalität akzeptiert werden. Wenn ich mich richtig erinnere, kommst du aus Afghanistan? Dann kannst du dich laut der Liste mit deinem deutschen Aufenthaltstitel identifizieren.

Ansonsten kannst du allerdings in jedem Fall auch ein Konto bspw. bei den Sparkassen oder den Volksbanken eröffnen.

Viele Grüße,

Meike

After how long Does the application for kindergeld expire if not applied for?

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 08:20:29 +0000

I'm currently waiting to fly back home for a visa application and comeback with my German child.but still I haven't been able to apply for the kindergeld because I have no residence yet. Does kindergeld application expire?if so,how long until it expires?

Answered: I am sick and want to quit my job - will I receive "Arbeitslosengeld" (unemployment benefits)?

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 19:31:49 +0000

Dear @Cj,

Welcome to the Wefugees Community and thank you for your question!

First of all, if you are sick, you should see a doctor and you most probably will get a medical report. In Germany, you don't have to quit your job because of an illness and the employer will pay your salary for up to six weeks you are staying at home for the same medical issue. After the six weeks, your health insurance might grant you a monthly allowance which is called "Krankengeld" (the amount is dependent on your regular salary).

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit is paying the unemployment benefits or "Arbeitslosengeld 1". In order to receive it, you have to fulfill certain conditions. Having worked for at least 12 months during the previous 30 months while contributed to the mandatory insurance (not a typical Minijob in that sense), for instance. Please be aware, that you may be excluded for up to three months ("Sperrzeit") in case you got unemployed voluntarily (quit yourself without a serious reason).

The Jobcenter is granting the so-called "Arbeitslosengeld 2" which functions like a social net and might be granted in case you can not cover your life expenses with your income or other allowances (as the Arbeitslosengeld 1).

However, please note that you need to get a permission of the respective agencies in case you want to travel or go on vacations while you are receiving Arbeitslosengeld 1 as well as Arbeitslosengeld 2. As far as I know, up to 3 weeks per year may be granted. If your doctor recommends and prescribes a rehabilitation programme (Reha), different rules may apply.

I hope this helps to get an overview and please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Can former student get financial help from assisted voluntary return program?

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:18:08 +0000

Dear @sigermany44,

Welcome to the Wefugees Community and thank you for your question.

I am not too familiar with the details of the voluntary return programs. I made some research and found the following information on the "Handbook Germany " website:

In principle, you are entitled to REAG/GARP if you cannot personally finance your trip from Germany AND you belong to one of the following groups:

Persons whose asylum application is ongoing, individuals who have a tolerated stay ("Duldung") or those obliged to leave Germany – provided they withdraw their asylum applications or refrain from seeking further legal remedies.
Persons who are recognised, according to the Geneva Convention, as a refugee – and have a German residence permit.
Persons who are entitled to reside in Germany according to international law or for humanitarian or political reasons.
Victims of forced prostitution and/or human trafficking.

According to their explanations, (former) students might not be entitled to receive that kind of support. However, I would recommend you to contact a specialised voluntary return counselling office to get some individual advice. You may find such an office close to your current place of stay through using the search engine on this website ("Returning from Germany").

I hope this helps and please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Ausbildung funding or help from the government for students?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 11:55:37 +0000

Dear Fatbardha Koxha,

Welcome to the Wefugees Communtiy and thank you for reaching out to us.

You might be entitled to receive a training allowance called "Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB)" and you need to apply for it at the local "Bundesagentur für Arbeit".

On the website of the Governemt Baden-Württemberg I found the following information in English:

Tip: Due to the numerous requirements, it is recommended that you arrange a consultation with the employment agency.

The personal requirements are:

German citizenship. Foreign applicants can be supported in individual cases. Please contact the local employment agency for advice concerning your individual case.
Your own place of residence. The training location is too far away from your parents’ home. Note: Should you live close to your parents’ home, you can also receive vocational training support under the following conditions:
- You are aged over 18 or
- You are married (or were married) or
- You have at least one child who lives with you or
- You cannot be assigned to the place of residence of the parents for serious social reasons.
Your remuneration during the period of vocational training does not suffice for:
- Costs of maintenance
- Accommodation costs such as rent
- Travel costs between the place of vocational training or professional school, family trips home
- Work clothing
- Learning aids
- Child support costs

When evaluating need, both your own income and that of your parents and/or of your husband or wife will be taken into account. In addition, certain allowances will be deducted. The same applies to registered civil partnerships.

Prerequisites for the support of vocational training:

Your vocational training can be supported if:

You are being trained in a recognised training profession (at a company or outside of a company)
You have concluded a training contract
Your training contract has been entered in the training directory
This is your first period of vocational training Only in a small number of exceptional cases is it possible to provide vocational training support for a second period of vocational training. In contrast to an initial period of vocational training, support for a second period is at the sole discretion of the Federal Employment Agency. You can obtain further information in this respect from the careers advisors at the employment agency.

Prerequisites for the support of a pre-vocational training measure:

It prepares you to take up vocational training or serves the purpose of professional orientation. It may not be subject to the school laws of the German Federal States
Successful professional training can be expected due to:
- the qualifications and professional experience of the management personnel, as well as the training and support personnel,
- the design of the learning plan, the teaching methods and
- the quality of the teaching and learning aids which are used.
It is planned in accordance with the principles of economic efficiency and cost saving.
It is carried out on behalf of the employment agency.
The costs are reasonable.

Note: In order to make professional orientation easier, pre-vocational training measures can also include

general educational subjects (the ratio of the general educational subjects may not be excessive)
can prepare you for the retrospective acquisition of the secondary school education qualification or
can take place as part of an internship.

Information concerning the training requirements and income considerations can be found in the “vocational training support” leaflet of the Federal Employment Agency.

Note: There are special regulations for persons with disabilities.

As you can see, there are many details to be considered. However, it can be quite difficult currently to get appointments directly at the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" due to the Corona situation. Therefore, I would like to recommend you to ask a "Jugendmigrationsdienst (JMD)" for help. They offer free, individual and confidential counselling for young migrants and I am sure they can support you in this.

I hope those information are useful and please don't hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Ausbildung duldung with no kindergeld

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 13:13:03 +0000

Dear Really Motivated,

Welcome back to the Wefugees Community and thank you for reaching out to us.

I am surprised to hear that authorities denied any social money. Holding a Duldung, you are most probably not entitled to get Kindergeld but to receive the so-called Asylbewerberleistungen (depending on your length of stay in Germany either according to par. 3 of the “Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz”/less than 15 months or according to par. 2 - the so-called “Analogleistungen” for more than 15 months) if you are not able to cover your costs /livelihood.

However, not the the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) is responsible for the social money. Instead you will need to approach the local “Sozialamt”.

Am I right on this, dear @mbeon-Christine?

For any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back to us.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: How to open a bank account as a newly arrived (legal) Syrian? (not refugee status)

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 03:51:51 +0000

Hello and welcome to the Wefugees Community!

I am actually surprised to hear that your friends are struggling to open a bank account as legal residents. As far as I know, there is even a law which says everyone staying in Germany (even asylum seekers and tolerated people/Duldung holders) is entitled to get a so-called “Basiskonto” for the daily transactions.

I found this website which refers to that law. I would encourage your friends to talk to the bank again. If this doesn’t help, a local migration counseling office might be able to support as well.

However, please also don’t hesitate to get back to us with any further questions.

All the best,

Meike

Answered: Hallo all,, my question is am I entitled to kindergeld with 25.5 aufenthg

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 07:46:58 +0000

Hello @Mercy Waweru,

welcome to Wegugees and thank you for sharing your question with us.

According to the Central Office for taxes, you're entitled to receive Kindergeld if you meet one of the Following conditions:

1. You're working or receiving parents assistance (Elterngeld) or you're in the parental leave or

2. You've been living here legally for at least 15 months (with "Gestattung" "Duldung" oder a residence permit).

I hope my answers were helpful and I’ll be very pleased if you contact me again with further questions. I'm a member of the mbeon-staff and I‘ll be glad to guide over a longer period of time. mbeon is an online advisory service for migrants via the mbeon-app, which you can download on your smartphone for free. You'll find me in the mbeon-app under my location „München” and then my name “Frau Müller“ and get confidential one-to-one advice in a safe virtual room where nobody can read messages. For further information please visit ***.mbeon.de.

Download for Android: https://play.google.***/store/apps/details?id=de.zone35.mbeon

Download for iOS: https://apps.apple.***/de/app/mbeon-messengerberatung/id1408795643

Best regards

mbeon-Christine

Answered: Can I reapply for social benefits due to current “Kurzarbeit”?

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 08:02:50 +0000

Hello again @MB,

and thank you for sharing your question with our community.

If you will receive social benefits or not depends on several factors, above all neediness and the number of persons in your flat. Neediness means, that there is a basic rate of need for every person in your household, which varies depending on the age of the children (the range is from 250,- € for smaller children up to 432,- € for a grown-up, in this case you). Additionally, your rent will be considered, and your income including child allowance, parental allowance, and so on. For instance, if you are alone and your rent is 600,- €, your rate of need is 1032,-,€ but your income only 752,-.€ In this case you will receive unemployment benefit II. My example is somehow simplified, the calculation is more complex in detail, especially, when you are not alone.

If you wish to calculate your entitlement, you can use a calculation tool like ALG II-Rechner: https://harald-thome.de/download/.

If you have children, you can additionally apply for an emergency child allowance (Notfall-Kinderzuschlag), which amounts up to 185,- € for each child per month.

Alternatively, if you don't want money from Jobcenter, you can apply for housing allowance. Housing allowances have become limited to those who do not receive other forms of income transfers. The calculation is rather complex, too. If you want to check whether you are eligible for housing allowance, you can use a calculating programme like the following: https://***.wohngeld.org/wohngeldrechner.html.

And, last but not least, your reduced hours compensation will rise by 10 % after 4 months and 20 % after seven months.

I hope my answers were helpful and I’ll be very pleased if you contact me again with further questions. I'm a consultant with mbeon and I‘ll be glad to guide you over a longer period of time. mbeon is an online advisory service for migrants via app, which you can download on your smartphone for free. You'll find me in the mbeon-app under my name „München, Frau Müller“ and get confidential one-to-one advice in a safe virtual room where nobody can read messages. For further information please visit ***.mbeon.de.

Best regards,

mbeon-Christine

Answered: Duldung holder Private Wohnung Rent

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 23:02:37 +0000

Can I rent an apartment with duldung?

Answered: How to get loan while not working

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 10:05:49 +0000

Sometimes it is possible to get a loan for a car from the social benefit institution, but this must be well justified. This means that you must be able to certify that you need the car to start work (employment contract). But it is not certain that it will work.

Kindergeld for my son has been denied for the last 8 months

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:22:52 +0000

Hallo
My son was born in German.
Standesamt sent my Documents to my country got 8 months.
My Son was not able to get Kindergeld since he had no Birth certificate.
I was issued my son Birth certificate last month.
Auslander Behorde issued my residence card from september 2019 so i have been denied 8 months Kindergeld and 8 months Eltern geld.
The Auslander Behorde has refused to change my Residence from the day my son was born.
1.what can i do?can i go to the the court?
2.Is my Son entitled to Kindergeld since he was born?

Who is entitled for Kindergeld?

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 04:40:40 +0000

Am living in the camp and decided to register my german child under his father address who lives in another city but am the one living with the child my question are:

1. I want to know who is entitled to receive Kindergeld me or him(his german too)

2.where to apply his city or mine while the child isn’t registered to where I stay does that matters?we don’t stay together but planning to

3.I don’t have a bank account yet will it be possible to receive in cash or can a baby have his own bank account the child is under 6 months? or should it go through the father account?

if there’s any question do ask thanks alot.

Asylum seeker required to pay for tuition fee for university

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:20:03 +0000

Before asking my question, I thought it'd be better if i give the brief summary of how I ended up in Germany.
*After the staged military coup in 2016 in Turkey, the government started an massive imprisonment of dissidents.Tens of thousands of people were arrested.My family luckily escaped the country before the coup and were granted refugee status in different countries .I stayed in Turkey in order to finish my uni. Then a year later , I came to Germany with a student visa in 2018. It was how I managed to leave the country.*

2 months ago, I applied to BAMF to seek asylum.(which was inevitable for me) Since I had student residence permit and registered address, it was sufficient to apply by letter.
My university is in Baden Württemberg so normally they require international students to pay 1500 € per semester. Since I became an asylum seeker I needed to inform my uni .Last week i went to my University to inform the Student Service that I am no longer international student and I've become an asylum seeker. First they said that I will not have to pay for 1500€ anymore then later they said that I have to pay 1500€ even if I am an asylum seeker.Then I learnt that only student asylum seekers from Eritrea , Syria , Somalia , Iraq are eligible to be exempt from the tuition fees.

The reason for not extending the right to be exempt from tuition fees to asylum seekers of all nationalities can make sense,I understand.They want to prevent any misuse or abuse since there might be people out there waiting to find a loophole in the law to get rid of the tuition fee. Fair point and I understand .A month later , I've a interview with BAMF and with the evidences that I have ,it'll all be clear to BAMF that the reason I applied for an asylum is not "to get rid of tuition fee"-(idea of which sounds low level to me. )

Problem is my uni says i need to pay in two weeks.
However ,I do believe that there must be a way out. the only money I receive is from Sozialamt right now and I have no idea how to pay this amount .Surely I want to continue my studies and finish it on time.I don't think BAMF or any sane person would intentionally want to create barries for asylum seeker who will eventually be an highly qualified worker .

Any idea any recommendation any advice from you are highly appreciated and welcome .

How much does coast a "normal" marriage in Dänemark?

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:47:33 +0000

Marry in Dänemark? Is that expensive?
Beacuse we just want to keep as less as possible.

Welchen Einfluss hat der Bezug von ALG II meines Partners auf mein Bafög?

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 19:46:52 +0000

Hallo,

Mein Partner und ich wollen bald heiraten.

Ich bin Studentin und bekomme volles Bafög. Wie sieht es aus, wenn mein Partner beim Jobcenter ist ?

Wird mein Bafög dann gekürzt?

Oder wenn man Partner arbeitet?

Danke euch!!

Am I entitled to receive Kindergeld since the first day we arrived in Germany or since issuing of residence permit?

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 13:08:44 +0000

Hallo wefugees
My question is about the children money

I have two little children under 3yrs. We come Germany in Feb 2018 and get a positive dicision jan2019, so my question is when I want to register familiankasse should I ask for them to pay me from the the day I arrive or the day i recieve the positive dicision

And what is our right at this case
Thanks for your answers