Germany: Definition of ‘Bedarfsgemeinschaft’ in basic security benefits

In the context of German basic security benefits (Grundsicherung), the legal term ‘Bedarfsgemeinschaft’ (benefit community) plays a central role. According to the Federal Employment Agency, a single able-bodied person can constitute a benefit community on their own.

Under Section 7 of the Social Code II (SGB II), a benefit community generally includes spouses who are not permanently separated, registered same-sex partners, and individuals in a committed, marriage-like relationship. It also includes parents living in the same household as their unmarried, able-bodied child under the age of 25, as well as the partner of that parent.

This term is distinct from a ‘Haushaltsgemeinschaft’ (household community), which refers to people living together who do not form a benefit community. Additionally, students living in a shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft) are classified as neither a benefit community nor a household community according to the agency's definitions.