The JobCenter has just released a new batch of forms to make applying for welfare during the Corona pandemic easier. We’ve had a look – they are simpler than the last lot, but will probably take you roughly the same amount of time to fill out. Details and links below.
There’s a simpler version of the main application form – you can use this to give them all the details of your personal circumstances. When you fill this one out, it will also let you know which extra forms you need to complete.
There’s also a simpler version of Annex EKS (now called KAS) – this is what freelancers fill out to give details about their business activities, income and expenses. It’s here.
A law came into effect on 27.3.2020 which was meant to simplify access to benefits/ALGII during the Corona pandemic. The JobCenter is therefore relaxing some of their very stringent checks for the time period 01.03.2020 until 31.08.2020.
Some of these changes include:
- With a simple declaration of having no significant assets, you don’t have to fill out Annex VM
- You can keep your savings
- Claims for children can be supported with just one month’s financial information instead of six
- Rent, heating and Nebenkosten will be paid without checking the size or price of your apartment
- Health insurance contributions will be paid
- Application is possible by phone, email or post. I know, my jaw hit the floor too.
Once these six months are up, the previously very stringent checks will resume. This means they might not continue to pay your rent if your apartment is considered too big, too small or too expensive according to their guidelines.
Go forth and apply!!! Here is a helpful free video I made that takes you through the main application form.
Kathleen
Hello Kathleen!
I applied for Soforthilfe II and I got it, thank you for the help! I have a super short question that maybe you can help me with?
There’s been conflicting information about whether to be able to use it for personal costs, as well as being asked to repay it after verification. All of this is understandable since it was very quickly thrown together.
In light of that, I’m thinking of applying to ALGII, JUST to cover my bases. I plan on being totally honest with them and just use whatever I need. It’s mostly for peace of mind.
Would you recommend that?
If you are in a position where you can’t cover your basic living costs or those of your dependents, then yes, apply for ALGII. If you were successful in getting the 5,000 Landesmittel, everyone is a bit confused about how to treat it. Even the JobCenter is of the impression it’s only meant for business expenses and can’t be used for personal expenses. THe new Soforthilfe II application form states that the Bundesmittel can be combined with ALGII. I would just include the money you received in the information you submit and let the JobCenter figure it out.
Hey,
I’m basically in the same situation as Marco. I got the Soforthilfe II prior to April 6th (I was number 14332 on line), but I don’t know whether I can use the money to pay my living expenses. From your blog posts and other sources I’ve read, it seems like maybe yes, but nobodies really? Should I also apply for ALG II in case they suddenly decide that Soforthilfe II grants prior to April 6th can’t be used for personal expenses?
Thank you for all the valueable and hardwork you’ve been doing.
Best,
Sam
Hi Sam, sorry for the delay in replying. As far as I understand it, if you received just the state funding (5.000) then you can use it pay yourself a salary (which would then be used by you personally however you see fit), but if you received the Bundesmittel (anything above 5.000 or applied after 6.4.20) then only running costs. I would apply for ALGII if you’re not sure and simply declare on the application that you did receive Soforthilfe 5,000 once-off, put the date you received the money, and let the Job Center figure out how to treat the grant.
Hello again! Quick question. I’m confused, because when it comes to Income, section 6, it says I need to fill out the EK form, and on top of that, the KAS form. All good, but then in the EK form, it says that if I’m self employed, I ALSO gotta fill out the EKS form. But… I thought the KAS form was the simplified version of the EKS form, and replaced it for the time being?
Question is… do I need to also fill the EKS form, or not? I hope not, it’s MASSIVE and brain melting 🙂
Thank you for a series of your amazing jobs, Kathleen. Really appreciate it!
Did you maybe hear or see somewhere if freelance visa holders whose visa expires during the LEA closure can receive ALG ii even after their visa expires?
My visa will expire on 2 May and I have the renewal interview appointment with them on 21 April but I presume it won’t happen. The FAQ on there website (https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/aufenthalt/artikel.910213.en.php?fbclid=IwAR0da7hQv-TPZ6SnPdzxuXcVChwtbHvhsqnx-evyHU6MIPdoT5BRU9ycHbs) ensures:
non-EU freelance visa holders can access to ALG ii,
expired visa holders can stay in Germany with the temporal online registration,
but doesn’t seem to mention the relation between the expired visa and ALG ii. Would be great if you could share any information/insights you have.
Thank you!
My educated guess is that the extension certificate that you get online (if you haven’t filled out the online form yet, hop to it) will keep your current permit alive and well, which means as long as you apply for ALGII between 18.3 and 17.6.2020, you’ll be fine. Your permit, which will still be considered current/extended, won’t be revoked.
So, I have read your articles and thank you so much for the detailed information!
What I’m wondering is, I have received the 5,000 grant on 31st of March. According to your article about tax advisor answering some questions about the grant, it’s most likely that I can use this grant towards my personal / living costs ? but it’s not for 100% that this is the case ? because in that case, then I should apply for ALGII ? I only didn’t for March because I thought I wasn’t allowed to apply for both…but yea, let me know your thoughts on this…
My ALG II expires on 31 August 2020. It is quite confusing reading the announcements of the jobcenter, whether my case will be automatically renewed or if cases up until 30th of August will autonatically renew. In any case, if my financial situation does not improve, what does the renewal process entail, does it include all documents from initial application, bank statements etc, or is it more concise? Thank you!
It’s more concise, but I’d wait it out in any case because I suspect you’ll get an automatic renewal if you haven’t had a six-month benefit period by the time 31.08.2020 rolls around.
Hi,
Thank you for these helpful information!
I am a freelancer musician with Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit and as Soforthilfe II is about to run out, i am planning to apply for ALG II. I have just about less than 6months of Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit left, (although i’m going to renew it and willing to stay in Germany longer) am i eligible to apply? Also there is a music scholarship program which i’m interested to apply (applications only available in August) but i never know if i’ll be accepted. If i ever get this scholarship while i’m drawing ALG II, should i let the JobCentre know and let them figure out if i should continue to receive ALG II or not? I guess ALG and scholarships are totally different things but i’m worried to receiving too much money would effect my visa in the future if i am not supposed to..
Thank you in advance for your help!
If you are in Berlin and your permit was issued in Berlin, then yes, you are eligible, at this stage, only until 30.09.2020, unless the foreigner’s office here extends their decree beyond that. If you apply by the end of August and get approved, you’ll get paid from the beginning of August. Have a look at this video – it will help you fill out the form. If you get the scholarship, just let them know. They might stop your benefits or ask you to pay some of the money back.
Hi Kathleen,
I am wondering if the latest decree on foreigner applying Hartz 4 extended to June 30,2021 is true. as well as I apply it now, does it mean I have to inform job center to stop paying me before June 30,2021 or I will get in trouble if they continues to pay me.
Many thanks
Qiao
It’s true. And you don’t have to do anything, let the Job Center figure it out for you. They’ll probably approve your benefits only until 30.06.2021 provisionally, and if the situation changes, the Job Center will probably just automatically extend your benefits beyond that date until you reach 6 months.