The volunteer team of the LIFE Initiative helps in social emergencies with problems with social benefits, unemployment, and the Jobcenter. We advise people with low incomes online, individually and free of charge in the following areas:
- Communication with the Jobcenter or Sozialamt (social welfare office)
- Unemployment benefit, housing benefit, basic income support, social assistance or asylum seeker benefits
- Application for a work permit, notification of change to the authorities
- Finding a lawyer (e.g. to appeal against a rejected application)
We reply within 48 hours.
Voicemessage +49 30 233 213 00
E-Mail info@life-initiative.org
Also check our step-by-step guides: They answer many questions about bureaucracy in Germany. Each question is explained in few steps as simply as possible.
Where and how can I apply for social benefits?
People who are unemployed can usually apply for social assistance from the Jobcenter in the city where they are registered. Those who cannot or are not allowed to work contact the social assistance office (Sozialamt). There, you can apply in person, written or, in some cases, online. In many cases, you will have to submit documents, such as your rental contract or bank statements. If you have any questions about the application process, we will be happy to advise you. Here you find information what you can do if you lost your job.
Can I work while receiving social benefits?
If you are receiving unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld) or social assistance (Sozialhilfe), you are mostly allowed to work. You must inform the Jobcenter or the social assistance office (Sozialamt) about the start of a job. The income will be partially taken into account, so the benefits you receive will be reduced.
What should I do if the authorities demand money back?
It is often the case that money is reclaimed if you have taken up a job or if the authority is of the opinion that the calculation of the benefits was incorrect. However, it may also be that the official misses relevant information and the reclaim is not justified. In this case, you should file an objection. Otherwise, you can try to arrange payment in installments. We will be happy to advise you.
What can I do if my application is rejected?
If the Jobcenter or the social assistance office (Sozialamt) has rejected your application, you can file an objection or take legal action. If you want to file a lawsuit, you should find a lawyer. Here you find information about searching a lawyer (on the example of migration law). We can help you find a lawyer.
Who is our help for?
Our free help is for refugees, migrants or Germans with a low income or no income.
How do we help?
We always help online. Send us your problem via WhatsApp or email. We will reply within 48 hours. We will discuss your situation in a short phone call and check whether we can help.
We will advise you on bureaucratic problems and help you find a solution. If necessary, we will help you to write a letter to the authorities. The volunteers of our association work without pay in their free time. We cannot replace a law firm, but we can help you find a lawyer if necessary.
In which language will the advice be provided?
We can speak to you in German or English at any time. After consultation, we may be able to advise you in Arabic, Turkish, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish. If you do not speak any of these languages, you will need to find someone to translate for you.
With which questions can the LIFE Initiative not help?
We cannot help in the following situations:
- Being outside Germany: We can only support people who are staying in Germany. We do not provide advice on entering Germany.
- Income: Our help is aimed at people who have little or no income and assets.
- Problems: We help with problems with public offices and authorities. We cannot help with finding accommodation and work or with health problems.
What happens to my data?
The LIFE Initiative is 100% independent and does not pass on any data to government agencies. All information is treated confidentially. We process personal data that you send us in accordance with our data privacy policy.