auswandern-nach-liechtenstein
auswandern-nach-liechtenstein
auswandern-nach-liechtenstein
Moving or Traveling with Social Benefits: What You Absolutely Need to Know!
Are you receiving unemployment benefits or other social benefits and planning a move or a trip? This is generally possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Find out now how to avoid issues with the Jobcentre or the Employment Agency. We are happy to provide you with personal advice. Please get in touch with us here.
The topic short and concise
Are you receiving unemployment benefits or other social benefits and planning a move or a trip? This is generally possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Find out now how to avoid issues with the Jobcentre or the Employment Agency. We are happy to provide you with personal advice. Please get in touch with us here.
Are you receiving unemployment benefits or other social benefits and planning a move or a trip? This is generally possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Find out now how to avoid issues with the Jobcentre or the Employment Agency. We are happy to provide you with personal advice. Please get in touch with us here.
Are you receiving unemployment benefits or other social benefits and planning a move or a trip? This is generally possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Find out now how to avoid issues with the Jobcentre or the Employment Agency. We are happy to provide you with personal advice. Please get in touch with us here.
Are you planning a move or a trip and receiving social benefits? Find out which rules you need to follow to ensure your benefit entitlement is not at risk. Get informed now!
If you receive welfare benefits, it is important that you thoroughly inform yourself about your rights and obligations before planning a relocation or embarking on a journey. The regulations can be complex, and mistakes can lead to benefit reductions or even the loss of your entitlement. This article provides you with an overview of the key aspects you should consider to avoid jeopardising your benefit entitlement.
The laws and regulations governing relocations and journeys for benefit recipients are diverse. It is therefore essential that you gather information in advance and seek legal advice if necessary. The information provided by the Lower Saxony Refugee Council offers initial guidance. We at GoMovin are happy to help you keep track of things and make your relocation or journey as stress-free as possible.
It is important to distinguish between a permanent change of residence (relocation) and a temporary absence from the place of residence (journey/holiday). Both situations are subject to different rules and reporting obligations. A relocation usually requires prior approval from the competent authority, while for a journey certain time limits and approval requirements apply. Correct classification is crucial to fulfilling your obligations and maintaining your benefit entitlement. Note that the City of Jena also provides information on this topic.
ALG I: Moving requires early notification to receive entitlement
If you receive unemployment benefits (ALG I) and wish to move, you must inform the Job Centre in good time. The Job Centre requires prior approval for the move to ensure your benefit entitlement is not jeopardised. Use the "Notification of Change" form and adhere to the specified deadlines.
Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can have serious consequences. In the worst case, the Job Centre may stop your benefits and reclaim any amounts already paid. Therefore, make sure to find out about the exact regulations early on and seek assistance from an advice centre if necessary. At GoMovin, we are happy to help you make the move smooth and complete all necessary formalities.
Note that when receiving unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV/Bürgergeld) certain rules also apply to the move. You must notify the move to the Job Centre and may need to obtain approval before you move. Under certain conditions, the Job Centre may also cover the moving costs. Therefore, inform yourself early about your rights and obligations. The information from Weitblick Heidelberg provides additional insights.
Residence permit: Pay attention to residence restrictions to facilitate relocation
For foreigners with a residence permit under § 25a or § 25 Paragraph 3 AufenthG, special regulations apply when moving. Often, the residence permit is associated with a so-called residence obligation. This requires you to live in a specific federal state or municipality. A move to another location is then only possible under certain conditions.
The residence obligation can potentially be lifted if you take up employment, begin training, or have family reasons for the move. Travel restrictions may also exist, stemming from your residence status. Therefore, it is important to fully inform yourself about your rights and obligations before a move or a journey. GoMovin is happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary information and submitting the required applications. The information from the Refugee Council of Lower Saxony is very helpful in this regard.
Family reunification often plays an important role in the lifting of the residence obligation. If your spouse or children live in another location, this can be a reason for lifting the residence obligation. However, you must prove that the family reunification is actually taking place and that you can secure your livelihood independently. Please note that the City of Jena also provides information on this topic.
ALG I: Holiday only with approval to avoid losing entitlement
Even if you are receiving unemployment benefit (ALG I), you are generally entitled to take a holiday. However, there are certain rules that you must observe. You may travel for a maximum of 3 weeks (21 calendar days) per calendar year while receiving payments. It is important that you obtain approval from the employment agency before you start your trip.
The employment agency will only approve your holiday request if your trip does not interfere with your job search. This means you must be reachable for interviews or other job promotion activities during your holiday. If you travel without the employment agency's approval, this may lead to a suspension of your benefits. The information from Weitblick Heidelberg offers further details about this.
There are exceptional cases where longer absences of up to 6 weeks are possible. However, in this case, unemployment benefits will only be paid for the first 3 weeks. After your trip, you must report back to the employment agency in person. If you are absent for more than 6 weeks without approval, you will lose your entitlement to benefits entirely. Note that these regulations do not apply to recipients of unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV/citizen's income). They should check with their job centre for the applicable rules. The employment agency provides detailed information on this.
Residence requirement: Securing livelihood allows relocation to another municipality
A residence requirement is a restriction imposed on you when you are recognised as a refugee or asylum seeker. It obliges you to reside in a specific federal state or municipality. The purpose of this requirement is to manage the distribution of refugees and asylum seekers and to prevent overwhelming local communities.
However, there are ways to lift the residence requirement. One possibility is to demonstrate that you can support yourself, for example through employment or education. Family reasons, such as reunification with your spouse or children, can also be grounds for lifting the residence requirement. In special cases of hardship, such as the need for care or medical necessity, the residence requirement can also be waived. The guidance from the Refugee Council of Lower Saxony is very helpful in this regard.
If your application to lift the residence requirement is rejected, you have the opportunity to file an objection and, if necessary, take legal action. You can refer to Art. 12 para. 1 of the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (freedom of movement). It is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer in this case. We at GoMovin can assist you in finding a suitable lawyer. The information from the Lower Saxony Refugee Council provides initial points of reference.
Foreign Travel: Observe Visa Requirements and Revocation of Residence Permit
If you are a foreigner living in Germany, there are special regulations for travelling abroad. Within the EU and the Schengen area, you can usually enter without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you need valid travel documents and must not take up employment.
For travelling to third countries, i.e., countries outside the EU and the Schengen area, individual entry requirements and visa obligations apply. Therefore, make sure to check the current regulations with the respective embassy or consulate in good time. Plan your trip carefully and ensure you have all the necessary documents. The City of Jena also provides information on this.
Particular caution is advised if you plan a trip to your home country. This could potentially lead to a revocation of your residence permit. In this case, the authorities will assess whether your return to your home country is intended to be permanent and whether you still have a valid interest in residing in Germany. Be sure to seek advice from a lawyer before travelling to your home country. We at GoMovin can assist you in finding a suitable lawyer. The information from the BMI is very helpful in this regard.
Relocation and Travel: Checklists Help Avoid Mistakes
To avoid mistakes and ensure your relocation or trip with social benefits goes smoothly, we have prepared checklists for you:
Checklist for Relocating with Social Benefits
Steps to prepare and carry out the relocation:
Timely notification of the relevant authorities (Employment Agency, Job Center, Immigration Office)
Obtaining permits (e.g., approval for the relocation, lifting of the residence restriction)
Organising the move (e.g., finding a new apartment, hiring a moving company)
Checklist for Travelling with Social Benefits
Steps to prepare and carry out the trip:
Obtaining approval from the Employment Agency/Job Center
Clarification of entry requirements (e.g., visa requirements, validity of the passport)
Taking out travel insurance
GoMovin is happy to assist you with organising your relocation or trip. We help you find suitable accommodation, apply for permits, and organise transportation. Contact us today for a non-binding offer.
Consultation Services: Find Support for Relocation and Travel
There are numerous contact points and advisory services available to assist you with questions regarding moving and travelling with social benefits:
Employment Agency: Your contact for all questions concerning unemployment benefits and job searching.
Job Centre: Your contact for all questions around unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV/citizens' income) and basic security.
Foreigners Office: Your contact for questions about residence rights and residence stipulations.
Moreover, there are many advisory centres and lawyers specializing in social and immigration law. We at GoMovin can assist you in finding a suitable contact person. The information from Weitblick Heidelberg offers additional insights.
It's important to thoroughly inform and seek advice before making decisions. The legal situation is complex and can change quickly. Professional advice helps you avoid mistakes and safeguard your rights. The Employment Agency provides detailed information regarding this.
Relocation and Travel: Make Informed Decisions, Secure Your Entitlement
Relocation and Travel with social benefits are complex topics that raise many questions. It is important that you inform yourself comprehensively and seek advice before making decisions. Observe the reporting and approval requirements, and inform yourself about the consequences of violations. The City of Jena also offers information on this.
We at GoMovin are happy to support you in the planning and execution of your relocation or travel. We assist you in finding suitable accommodation, applying for permits, and organizing transportation. Contact us today for a non-binding offer. The emigration tips from GoMovin could also be helpful.
Remember that you are responsible for complying with the rules. Therefore, thoroughly inform yourself and seek professional advice in case of doubt. This is the only way to ensure that you do not jeopardize your benefit entitlement. Are you ready for your next step? We at GoMovin are here with our expertise to make your relocation or travel as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Further useful links
Der Niedersächsische Flüchtlingsrat provides initial guidance on the regulations regarding living, moving, and travelling for benefit recipients.
The Agentur für Arbeit offers information on reporting and approval obligations concerning relocation and holidays while receiving unemployment benefits (ALG I).
Der Flüchtlingsrat Niedersachsen gives advice on the regulations for refugees regarding residence restrictions, moving, and travelling.
Das BMI (Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community) provides information on travel and relocation cost regulations.
FAQ
Who must be informed about a move if I receive social benefits?
You must inform the Employment Agency (if receiving Jobseeker's Allowance I), Jobcentre (if receiving Jobseeker's Allowance II/Citizen's Income), and if necessary, the Immigration Office (if you have a residence permit with a residence requirement). An early notification is crucial.
What are the consequences if I do not report a move in time?
If you fail to report, you risk benefit reductions, the suspension of benefits, and the recovery of any payments made. Therefore, make sure to inform yourself in advance.
Can I just move as an unemployed person?
No, you generally need the approval of the Employment Agency or the Jobcentre before moving. Otherwise, you risk losing your benefit entitlement.
What is a residence requirement and when can it be lifted?
A residence requirement obliges you to live in a specific federal state or municipality. It can be lifted if you start a job, begin an apprenticeship, or for family reasons.
How long may I travel as an unemployed person?
You may travel for a maximum of 3 weeks (21 calendar days) per calendar year while receiving benefits. Approval from the Employment Agency is required.
What happens if I travel without permission?
Travelling without approval may result in a suspension of benefits. Always obtain permission in advance.
Can a trip to my home country jeopardise my residence permit?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a trip to your home country can lead to a revocation of your residence permit. Seek legal advice beforehand.
Where can I find support and advice regarding moving and travelling with social benefits?
You can find support at the Employment Agency, Jobcentre, Immigration Office, advisory centres, and lawyers.
