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).

 

Information

Prerequisites

Current usual place of residence in Hamburg.

Documents required

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

Please note

No

Deadlines

No

Procedure

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

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

§ 24 SGBXII


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_12/__24.html

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

Last updated: 14.02.2026