Question 1

How much is the vocational training allowance in 2026?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed amount. BAB is the difference between your need and your countable income. The living need with your own flat is €822 per month (€442 basic need plus €380 accommodation), plus travel costs, €16 for work clothing and possibly €160 childcare per child. Your training pay and part of your parents' income are deducted from this. The Federal Employment Agency's leaflet shows examples with €148 and €493 BAB.

Question 2

Who is entitled to BAB?

Accepted Answer

Trainees in their first in-company or external training in a recognised occupation who do not live with their parents. Those under 18, single and without a child also need a reason: the company must not be reachable from the parents' home in reasonable time. From 18, if married or in a civil partnership, or with a child of your own, this distance condition does not apply (§ 60 SGB III). Purely school-based training is not funded by BAB.

Question 3

Is my parents' income counted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only above generous allowances. Married parents have a €2,540 allowance, one parent €1,690. For each other child without funded training of their own, €770 is added. If commuting from the parents' home is unreasonable, there is another €901. Of the income above this total, a further 50% plus 5% per child remains uncounted. The income from the year before last before the approval period starts is decisive.

Question 4

How much of my training pay is counted?

Accepted Answer

Training pay is generally counted in full — but after deducting a 22.3% social flat rate. €1,000 gross thus becomes €777. If commuting daily from the parents' home is unreasonable, a further €85 remains uncounted; in the example, €692 is then counted. Work-related expenses such as commuting are not deducted because travel costs are already part of the need.

Question 5

Do I have to pay BAB back?

Accepted Answer

No. The vocational training allowance is a grant and — unlike half of student BAföG — does not have to be repaid. The agency can only reclaim amounts paid wrongly, for example if your pay increases and you don't report it. So report changes in income, housing or training immediately.

Question 6

From when and for how long is BAB paid?

Accepted Answer

BAB is paid for the duration of the training and is usually approved for 18 months at first; after that you file a continuation application. If you apply after training starts, it is paid retroactively at most from the start of the month of application. So it is best to apply before training begins.

Question 7

Can I also get housing benefit?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Under § 20(2) WoGG there is no housing benefit entitlement if all household members are in principle entitled to BAB or BAföG — even if BAB is zero because of income. It may differ if you live with people who have no such entitlement themselves. Housing costs are already covered in BAB through the €380 flat rate.

Question 8

What if my parents don't pay maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Then the employment agency can pay BAB in advance under § 68 SGB III — i.e. without deducting the parental contribution if your training would otherwise be at risk. You must show credibly that your parents don't pay or don't provide information. The agency then reclaims the money from your parents. Raise this directly in your application.

Guide: Vocational Training Allowance Calculator

Vocational Training Allowance (BAB) 2026: Eligibility, Amount and Calculation

BAB Eligibility: The Requirements Trainees Must Meet

BAB and Parental Income: How the Allowances Work

Travel, Work Clothing, Childcare: What BAB Covers on Top

BAB Application and Your First Flat: Deadlines, Documents, Housing Benefit

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