The Military Law Amendment Act came into force on 01.07.2011. This abolishes compulsory military and civilian service. Instead, there is voluntary military service.
Voluntary conscripts are entitled to benefits under the Maintenance Security Act for the first six months of military service (probationary period).
The Maintenance Guarantee Act does not apply to Bundesfreiwilligendienst (successor to civilian service).
Benefits under the Maintenance Guarantee Act (Unterhaltssicherungsgesetz - USG) are special social benefits to which there is a legal entitlement if the requirements are met.
Why is maintenance cover paid?
The purpose varies and depends on the type of military service for which the conscript is called up. In the case of voluntary military service, the aim is to secure the basic needs of the conscript and his dependents. The benefits provided for by the USG in the event of military service or military service equivalent to military service under the USG are intended to secure the income of the conscript, provided it does not exceed certain maximum amounts.
Who receives maintenance cover?
Those entitled to benefits are military service personnel and their family members and persons performing military service. Maintenance benefits are granted on application.
What services are available?
According to the Maintenance Security Act, the following can be granted during military service
- Maintenance payments for the wife and children.
- Reimbursement of contributions to insurance policies against financial loss (e.g. liability, accident or household contents insurance). Insurance related to the driving and ownership of motor vehicles is not eligible for reimbursement.
- Rent allowance (basic rent and ancillary costs for electricity, gas, water) for single military service personnel
- Loan cost assistance (assumption of interest on deferred payments or current interest by way of hardship compensation).
- Economic aid for the self-employed.
Compensation for loss of earnings for the duration of military service
Where should applications for benefits under the Maintenance Guarantee Act be submitted?
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Personnel Management is responsible for this (see below for contact details).
What should I bear in mind when applying for maintenance cover?
The application is not legally bound to any particular form. To safeguard the claim, it is sufficient for a corresponding declaration to be received by the maintenance guarantee authority. The authority will then send the official forms so that the necessary information and confirmations can be submitted.
It is important that the application is submitted as soon as possible after receipt of the call-up notice that the application is accompanied by the "copy of the call-up notice for the maintenance guarantee authority" that the application deadline is not missed (3 months after completion of military service, claims that have not been asserted expire).