Goodmorning everyone,
Allow me to introduce myself; I am Adam, a 24-year-old Italian citizen currently residing with my aunt in Neuss, in the Düsseldorf area.
I have recently received an exciting job offer in Düsseldorf, in the form of a minijob contract. However, my aunt has informed me of her inability to host me or provide financial assistance. Therefore, I am seeking information on available state subsidies to ensure my livelihood while I make the move to Düsseldorf.
My intention is to relocate to Düsseldorf, having sufficient savings to cover initial expenses such as hostel accommodation. I am currently searching for a room or studio apartment for long-term accommodation.
I require some specific information:
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What are the minimum requirements, such as size, rental and heating costs, for a rented studio to be considered eligible for Bürgergeld?
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Can a shared room with other flatmates be considered an acceptable solution for Bürgergeld?
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What documents and information are necessary concerning the accommodation I am seeking for the Bürgergeld application process?
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Many properties require a security deposit, which I currently do not have. Is it possible to obtain a loan from the Jobcenter to cover this deposit?
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In case I find an ideal apartment that is unfurnished, is there a possibility of receiving financial assistance for furnishing? What are the financial conditions and procedures for this support?
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Currently, I only speak Italian and English. I would like to know if you know where I can find free interpretation services in Düsseldorf that can assist in interactions with the colleagues at the jobcenter?
Thank you for your attention and understanding. I wish you a great day.
Best regards,
Adam
Thank you for your very long explanation and the translation of the questions to German, Adam
It is great that you managed to get a part-time contract! Congrats!
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Nevertheless, you didn't answer me any of my previous questions:
How long have you already been in Germany?
Did you work in Germany before and already paid social security contributions?
Happy if you answer me those questions first, so I can reach out to the according institutions and provide you a more precise answer. Thank you.
My Nguyen_Community Managerin I have been here since 24 May and I didn't paid any social security contributions.
Thank you for getting back to me, Adam
As you already know with an italian citizenship you are allowed to stay within the EU without any further application of residence permit for 3 months, if your purpose is to look for a job.
There are very different information about the possibility to apply for Bürgergeld from EU citizens without any previous employment. Some say that you are only eligible to apply after you’ve worked and paid social security contribution. Some say that after 3 or 6 months an application for financial aid is possible. The european court hasn’t decided that clearly until now.
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At the end, you can apply for Bürgergeld if you are regular residing in Germany. However, there are additional requirements and conditions that must be met:
-Be indigent: Income and assets must be below a certain limit.
-Be capable of working: One must be able to work at least 3 hours a day.
Since you will start working a part-time job, it is very likely that, in case you will be approved to receive Bürgergeld, your income will be taken into account and your financial aid will be reduced accordingly.
However, you can try and apply. Additionally, you also have the opportunity to file an objection in case they reject your application.
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I can provide you our infopage about the requirements and the application process of Jobcenter and Bürgergeld.
Nevertheless, you should get in contact with your responsible Jobcenter. Since you are registered at your aunts place in Neuss, the local Jobcenter in Neuss should be responsible for you.
You can schedule an appointment with them and also request a translation from Sprachhelferpool to accompany you. Alternatively, you can also reach out to a migration counselling center. There are quite a few around the area of Neuss: https://bamf-navi.bamf.de/en/Themen/Migrationsberatung/ They can support you filling out the application forms.
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Lastly, I would like to give you a short answer to your questions, so you can get an overview:
1. Since you have not yet applied for Bürgergeld and are currently looking for an apartment, your situation is a bit more complicated. There is a difference if there is already an apartment or if you are looking for an apartment before receiving Bürgergeld. If you already rent an apartment before you applied for Bürgergeld, a rent of 581€ warm can be allowed in Düsseldorf.
If you are looking for an apartment, you have to involve the Jobcenter to approve your preferred flat. Only if they agree to cover the costs, you can sign the contract. The upper rent limit here is 528€.
2. Generally, shared flats are allowed if you can proof that your are separate households.
3. If your rent is higher, it might be approved but the difference can be deducted from your financial aid.
4. Jobcenter can take over the deposit but will provide it as a loan. They will very likely reduce your financial aid as well.
5. Additionally, there is the possibility to apply for financial support for the initial furniture. If the apartment has no furniture in it, you will need to prove which furniture are necessary and needed. It is very likely that you need to submit the invoices.
I hope this gives you an overview. You can read more about the different allowance on the provided link of Handbook Germany.
Please let me know if you have further questions.