Financial Support
If you have no means for your own support, it is possible that you have a right to state financial assistance. The benefits that might be available to you depend on your residence status in Germany. If you have been the victim of a criminal act (e.g. trafficking, exploitation or violence in prostitution, in marriage, or in the workplace), we recommend contacting a counselling centre. The staff at a counselling centre will be able to define which legal benefits you will be eligible for:
- If you decide to bear witness against those who committed crimes against you, for the period of investigative and criminal proceedings in this case you will be eligible for benefits under AsylbLG (law pertaining to benefits for asylum applicants)
- You will be eligible for benefits under AsylbLG (law pertaining to benefits for asylum applicants) if you have been a victim of criminal acts, but have not yet decided on bearing witness.
- As a citizen of the EU, under Social Welfare Code (SGB II or XII) you are eligible for benefits if you find your self in a temporary crisis situation.
- As a tourist you have virtually no rights to financial support from the state.If, however, you have been the victim of trafficking, please contact a Counselling Centre.
- If you are illegally in Germany then you are not eligible for financial support. Even if you are illegally resident in Germany, you can still, in all confidence, contact a Counselling Centre. Counsellors are legally bound to treat all information confidentially, therefore there will be no legal action taken against you (such as deportation).