Apply for education and participation benefits for children, adolescents and young adults in receipt of housing benefit

You can receive financial support for various activities through the education and participation package. The funding is aimed at children, teenagers and young adults.

The benefits from the education and participation package are granted when certain social benefits are received. Housing benefit is one of these social benefits. If you are entitled to housing benefit, you can apply for financial support from the education and participation package.

The funding covers the following areas:

Up to a maximum of 18 years of age:

• Participation in social and cultural life, for example in a sports club or music school, is subsidized with EUR 15.00 per month.

Up to a maximum age of 25:

• The actual costs of one-day excursions for schools, day-care centers and day-care facilities are reimbursed.
• The actual costs of excursions lasting several days organized by day-care centers and childminders as well as school trips within the framework of school regulations are covered.
• The provision of personal school supplies is subsidized annually with two lump sums at the beginning of each school year. The amount differs between the first and second half of the school year.
• The necessary actual expenses for transportation to the nearest school of the chosen course of education (monthly student tickets) are covered.
• The costs of additional appropriate extracurricular learning support are covered insofar as they are necessary to achieve the learning objectives defined in accordance with school regulations.
• Expenses for communal lunchtime meals for schoolchildren (if the school is responsible) and for children in day-care centers and day-care facilities are paid.

• § Section 6b of the Federal Child Benefit Act (BKGG)
• §§ Sections 28 to 30 of the Second Book of the Social Code (SGB II)

• Children, adolescents and young adults up to the age of 25 who receive assistance with living expenses are eligible.
• The eligible person attends a general or vocational school, a day care center or day care for children
• In individual cases, you may be entitled to education and participation benefits even if you do not receive assistance with living expenses. This is possible if you cannot cover your education and participation needs from your income and assets or the income or assets of your family. Your responsible job center or social welfare office will check your entitlement.
• Upper age limit for participation benefits for taking part in culture, sport and leisure in the community: 18 years of age

• Information on the education package on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS)
• Information on education and participation on the family portal

You must submit a separate application for school requirements if your child is either still under 7 years old or has already completed the 10th school year but is attending a secondary school. In these cases, a school certificate must be submitted as proof.

• Application for benefits for education and participation (pdf)