Do I get the initial furnishing even without ongoing social assistance?
Yes – and this is the most important and least known point on this page. § 31 Abs. 2 SGB XII provides: “A person who claims social assistance … is provided, even if standard rates are not to be granted, with benefits for one-off needs under subsection 1.” You therefore do not need to be receiving benefits on an ongoing basis. What is examined is whether you can cover this specific need from your own resources – a considerably narrower standard than the question of whether you are in need overall. This mainly affects people with a small pension or a tight income that covers everyday life but not a complete home set-up after a separation, a fire or homelessness.
What does it cover?
The law names three groups. First, the initial furnishing for the home including household appliances: bed and mattress, wardrobe, table and chairs, refrigerator, cooker, washing machine, lamps, curtains, crockery. Second, the initial clothing and the initial furnishing for pregnancy and birth – baby clothing, pram, cot, maternity clothing. And third, almost always overlooked, the purchase and repair of orthopaedic shoes as well as the repair and rental of therapeutic devices. What is involved is a simple but complete basic set-up – not replacement of worn items, for which the standard rate is intended.
Do I have to ask before buying?
Yes, and this is not a mere formality. The benefit is meant to cover an existing need; anyone who has already bought the items has, from the office's point of view, already covered the need by other means and generally receives no subsequent reimbursement. Submit the application, therefore, as soon as the reason is established – with a move, ideally together with the approval under § 35a Abs. 2, so that everything proceeds in one process. If it is very urgent, for example after a house fire, say so explicitly and ask for a provisional decision; procedures exist for this, but they only start if the urgency is stated.
How much money do I get?
That cannot be stated nationwide, which is why no figure appears here. Most local authorities work with flat rates – per room, per person or per item – which they set themselves and which vary considerably between cities. Others issue vouchers for certain retailers or refer to furniture depots and social charity shops. Ask your Sozialamt, therefore, about the local procedure and the applicable flat rates before you plan. Important: a flat rate must actually cover the need. If the approved amount is evidently not enough for a simple basic set-up, lodge an objection and give reasons with concrete prices – the deadline is one month from the notice.
What is the difference from a replacement purchase?
A fundamental one. Initial furnishing applies when a set-up has to be created for the first time or again in full – with a first own household, after a separation with loss of household goods, after homelessness, after a fire or water damage. The replacement of worn-out items, on the other hand, is included in the standard rate and is to be saved for out of it: if the washing machine breaks down after eight years, that is in principle not a one-off need. In such cases, however, a loan may be considered, which is then repaid in instalments from the ongoing benefit. It is therefore worth describing the reason precisely – it determines which route is open.
When should I apply for the baby's initial furnishing?
Well before the due date, ideally several weeks. The initial furnishing for pregnancy and birth covers maternity clothing, baby clothing, a pram, a cot and the remaining basic set-up – and you need all of that when the child arrives, not weeks later. Processing takes time, and after the birth there is generally neither the strength nor the time to chase up an application. Bring the maternity record book. A tip that often helps: even if you are not receiving ongoing social assistance, this benefit may be available under § 31 Abs. 2 – always ask, instead of assuming otherwise.
I receive Grundsicherungsgeld from the Jobcenter — does this also apply to me?
The benefit also exists there, but under a different provision and from a different body: anyone capable of working who receives Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support benefit for jobseekers, formerly Bürgergeld) under Book Two of the Social Code (SGB II) applies for the initial furnishing at the Jobcenter (job centre), not at the Sozialamt. The system is similar – initial furnishing for the home and for clothing also stands alongside the standard needs there – but jurisdiction and the local flat rates differ. Contact the body that pays your ongoing benefit, therefore. If you receive no ongoing benefit, the Sozialamt is the right address, because § 31 Abs. 2 SGB XII covers exactly this case.
What if the application is refused?
Demand a written notice with a statement of reasons and lodge an objection within one month. Common grounds for refusal can be challenged effectively: if reference is made to the standard rate, counter that this is an initial, not a replacement, purchase. If reference is made to the lack of an ongoing benefit, cite § 31 Abs. 2 SGB XII. If too low a flat rate is granted, attach concrete price evidence for a simple basic set-up. Social associations and social advice centres offer support free of charge; with a low income, Beratungshilfe (advisory assistance for people on low incomes) with a personal contribution of €15.00 may be available for advice from a lawyer.
