If you do not have German citizenship and do not belong to an EU member state and are staying in Germany, you can receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act under certain conditions. These are the so-called basic benefits, benefits in the event of illness, pregnancy and childbirth as well as other benefits.

The basic benefits are intended to cover the necessary needs to secure your livelihood. This means, for example, food, accommodation, heating, clothing, personal hygiene and household goods. In addition, benefits for necessary personal needs are possible, which are intended to ensure participation in social life.

Pregnancy and childbirth benefits also cover additional needs for expectant mothers. This can be, for example, maternity clothing or initial baby equipment (e.g. diapers and a diaper bag).

Healthcare benefits are intended to ensure your healthcare if you are not insured with a health insurance fund. Health care is treatment by a doctor if you are acutely ill or in pain. You can also receive the necessary vaccinations (e.g. against influenza) and medically necessary check-ups. Preventive check-ups are regular examinations to detect and treat illnesses at an early stage.

Other benefits are aimed in particular at special cases. These can be special benefits to ensure subsistence or for children's needs, for example school supplies and integration assistance for disabled children. Integration assistance helps people to participate in community life. Benefits for certain interpreter costs and costs for obtaining a passport are also possible.

The benefits are possible if your available income and assets have been used up or are insufficient and you do not receive any benefits under SGB II/SGB XII. If you do not live alone, the income of family members with whom you live will be taken into account. In this context, family members are your partner or spouse and (underage) children.

Benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act can be provided in cash or in kind. Depending on your living situation and the place where you are staying, the type and amount of benefits granted may vary. In addition to payment in cash or in kind, payment is also possible in the form of vouchers or in other ways.

The costs of accommodation and heating are usually taken into account by the responsible institution when calculating your entitlement. Whether support is provided in the form of cash or non-cash benefits depends on the circumstances of your individual case. The amount of benefits granted is regularly adjusted and is graduated according to age and housing situation.