Germany: Single parents may miss social welfare entitlements

Single parents receiving social benefits in Germany may be overlooking specific entitlements regarding additional requirements (Mehrbedarf) under the new basic security regulations set for July 1, 2026.

According to Section 21, Paragraph 3 of the Second Social Code (SGB II), individuals living alone with one or more minor children are entitled to an additional amount on top of the regular standard requirement. The amount is determined by the number and age of the children. For 2026, this additional requirement ranges from 67.56 euros for one minor child to a maximum of 337.80 euros for five or more children.

While the introduction of the new basic security system has brought changes to many recipients, the entitlement to this additional requirement remains unchanged. Misunderstandings in how these amounts are calculated can result in significant monthly financial losses for affected households.