School financial support for low-income families (Bildungspaket)

School financial support for low-income families in Germany (Bildungspaket)

Introduction

Germany aims to provide equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.
To achieve this, the government introduced the “Education and Participation Package” (Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket), which offers direct financial support to children from low-income families to cover school-related expenses and enable participation in social life.

Who can benefit?

You are entitled to this support if your child lives in a household that receives one of the following types of benefits:

• Unemployment benefit for job seekers (Bürgergeld / formerly Hartz IV)

• Asylum seekers’ benefits (Asylbewerberleistungen)

• Social assistance (Sozialhilfe)

• Housing benefit (Wohngeld)

• Child supplement for low-income families (Kinderzuschlag)

• Or if you are a student receiving BAföG and also receive support for children

Age: from 0 to 25 years
Condition: the child must be enrolled in an educational institution (school, kindergarten, or vocational training).

What does the Bildungspaket cover?

Type of support
Amount / scope

• Basic school supplies:
  130 euros at the beginning of the school year (February: €65 + August: €65).

• School transport:
  Coverage of transport costs if they are not already provided free of charge by the school.

• Tutoring (Nachhilfe):
  Funding if there are proven learning difficulties.

• School meals:
  Full coverage of the cost of lunch at school or in daycare.

• Cultural, sports and social activities:
  15 euros per month per child (for a sports club, music lessons, camps, etc.).

• School trips (Klassenausflüge):
  Full coverage of the costs of day trips and longer school trips.

How do I apply?

• Fill in the application form for the Bildungspaket (this is usually available on the website of the Jobcenter or the Sozialamt).

• Attach the following documents:

  • Proof of the social benefit you are receiving

  • A certificate confirming that the child is enrolled at a school or kindergarten

  • Documents related to the activity to be funded (for example, the invoice for the trip or the registration form for the club)

Note: In some federal states and municipalities, applications can also be submitted online via digital portals.

When should I apply?

• For school supplies: it is best to apply before the beginning of the school year.

• For activities or trips: apply before the child takes part in the activity.

Frequently asked questions

Is the support paid out in cash?
No. In most cases the money is paid directly to the school, club or service provider.

Can several types of activities be supported at the same time?
Yes. You can combine different types of support (for example: meals + school supplies + a sports activity).

Does one application cover all children in the family?
No. A separate application must be submitted for each child, but ideally all should be submitted in the same process to simplify the procedure.

Conclusion

The Bildungspaket is a right for every low-income family and is intended to ensure that their children receive equal opportunities for education and social development.

Don’t wait until someone tells you about it! Take the initiative yourself – the support is available, you only need to apply in good time.

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The team of writers and editors on the website strives to provide accurate information by conducting intensive research and consulting multiple sources when writing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be uncertain. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as an initial reference only, and you should always contact the competent authorities for definitive and binding information.