Minor children who live in another family (foster family or with relatives) can receive benefits to secure their livelihood in accordance with SGB XII if the income and assets of the child or foster family are not sufficient for the necessary livelihood of the foster child.

The scope of benefits under SGB XII depends, among other things, on the individual needs of the foster child. The needs generally correspond to the actual costs of accommodating the foster child, provided these are reasonable. These include, among other things, costs for

- food,

- clothing,

- physical and health care,

- accommodation,

- heating,

- household energy (electricity),

- school supplies,

- pocket money and

- leisure activities.

Because it is very time-consuming to determine the needs of each foster child individually, many social welfare offices use the lump sums of the youth welfare services. These amounts can vary depending on the federal state.

In exceptional cases, needs can also be calculated on the basis of the "normal" regulations for assistance with living expenses (applicable standard flat-rate needs, any additional needs, actual costs for accommodation and heating as well as school requirements).

Claims for benefits can also be made by the caregiver.

It is generally assumed that the foster family provides for the living expenses of the foster child, insofar as this can be expected based on the income and assets of the foster carers (so-called "household community"). Therefore, the income and assets of the entire household must be considered. This includes, for example

• Earned income,
• maintenance payments and
• pension income.

Child benefit paid for minors and any maintenance payments are due to the child to cover their needs.

Certain assets are not considered to be protected assets, for example

• Small amounts of cash (financial assets per adult: EUR 10,000, per child: EUR 500) or
• an appropriate house property.

These are not included in the calculation of benefits.

There are also allowances on certain incomes. Not all available income and assets have to be used up before you receive social assistance.

Benefits for past periods are generally not paid.