The so-called "standard rate" comprises the amount that is transferred to you by the Jobcenter to cover your basic needs.

This flat-rate amount includes costs for food, personal hygiene, clothing, household items, household energy (electricity) and the needs of daily life (e.g. for participation in cultural and social life). The full standard rate is paid to single people, single parents and people whose partner is a minor.

From 1. January 2024, the monthly standard benefits will apply:

*Community of need

Persons, who already receive benefits from the Dortmund Jobcenter and have a notice of approval for 2024 will automatically receive the higher standard rates. You do not need to submit a separate application for citizens' allowance.

Even if you have already submitted an application and have not yet received a notification, the adjustment will take place automatically (the notifications will be sent out in the first week of January 2024).

How are the standard requirements determined? You can find more information on this at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).

Applying for Citizen's Income

You can apply for Citizen's Income in the following ways:

• In person during opening hours at one of our Info-Points
• Online at jobcenter.digital under "Bürgergeld online beantragen"
• Telefonically at our Service Center (0231 842 1110)
• In writing to the Jobcenter Dortmund
  

We recommend that you submit your application in person. This allows us to advise you individually, clarify any questions immediately and provide you with all the necessary application documents. A valid identity document is required for the interview. If you do not understand German well enough, please bring someone with you who can translate the interview.

Our tips for you:

• Filling instructions in easy-to-understand German can be found here and in the download area.
• With the "digital assistant" on the website of the Federal Employment Agency, you can quickly and easily check whether you are entitled to a citizen's allowance. The digital assistant appears automatically in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
• You can find the application for continuation of entitlement (WBA) to the Citizen's Allowance here and in the download area.

Further assistance can be found in the download area.

For a new application for benefits, please have the following documents ready:

• Valid identity card or valid passport
• Proof of the amount of accommodation costs (rent and ancillary costs, e.g. in the form of the rental agreement, landlord's certificate or similar).
• Your bank statements for the last three months (complete and sorted) - of all accounts and all persons (including online accounts, e.g. PayPal and credit cards, internet exchanges such as eBay, MyHammer/ Autoscout24 etc.)
• If you do not have a bank account: proof that no account can be set up
• If available: Proof of credit balances in savings accounts
• Proof of your health insurance (e.g. in the form of health insurance card, membership certificate from health insurance company or similar)
• Social security number
• If you have children: Proof of child benefit
• Proof of heating costs
• If available: Disabled person's ID

Certain persons must also submit the following documents:

• For foreign applicants: Current registration confirmation and current residence permit
• For children over 14 years of age: School certificates
• In the case of divorces and non-marital children: Maintenance arrangements, proof of advance maintenance payments
• If you have a car: Car registration certificate and car insurance document