Applying for social assistance for Germans abroad

If you are in financial distress abroad, social assistance benefits may be granted in individual cases.

Detailed description

If you find yourself in an exceptional emergency situation abroad, you can apply for benefits under the Social Code Book Twelve (SGB XII).

Current usual place of residence in Hamburg.

Proof of emergency situation; proof of income and asset situation.

Applications must be submitted to the relevant German diplomatic mission abroad.

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Contradiction

Keywords: Social assistance if you move abroad Social assistance for emigrants Social assistance abroad

Last updated: 14.02.2026