Will the German government give you money to live?

In Germany, asylum seekers do receive some aid. But it is based on strict conditions and only granted when all savings and income have been spent.  Furthermore, most of the aid is provided in kind, such as shelter, hygiene products or clothes.

While you will receive clothing and hygiene products and live under humane conditions, you will not receive money for these things.

If you have been granted a temporary permission to reside in Germany during your asylum application procedure you will be accommodated in housing close to a nearby reception centre. However, it is important to point out that first, you cannot choose freely where you will be living and second, most types of aid will be given to you in form of goods or, in some cases, vouchers. Hence, while you will receive clothing and hygiene products and live under humane conditions that meet the government’s concern for every human being’s dignity, you will not receive money for these things. Cash payments are limited to exceptions.

Vouchers instead of cash

Although this will allow you to buy clothing and other goods necessary for your everyday-life, be mindful that the cost of living in Germany is considerably higher than in most countries of origin and this money will hardly enable you to save or spend money for different purposes.

Finally, if you have income or savings that you have access to and that you have been using prior to coming to Germany, you are required to use this money first. You are then also obligated to pay a certain amount of money for the accommodation, heating and goods which may be automatically provided to you in your accommodation.