Flat first, application later?
The training contract is signed, the flat hunt is on — and at some point the term BAB comes up. Many trainees only apply for the vocational training allowance when their account first goes into the red. That costs money, because the benefit is not paid retroactively at will. This article shows when and how to apply, which documents you need and what to consider with your first flat.
The right timing
Apply before training starts if possible. If you apply later, the employment agency pays retroactively at most from the start of the month in which the application was received. If you start on 1 August and only apply in October, August and September are lost. If documents are still missing, file the application on time anyway and submit the proof later.
How to apply
You apply to the employment agency responsible for where you live — online via the Federal Employment Agency's service portal, in person or by phone via the free service number.
Documents you need
1. Training contract stating the pay,
2. Tenancy agreement or confirmation of accommodation,
3. Proof of travel costs, for example the price of the monthly pass,
4. Parents' proof of income for the year before last, usually the tax assessment,
5. Where applicable, proof of siblings, children of your own or a marriage.
Your parents fill in their own form sections on their income. If they delay, your decision is delayed too.
If your parents don't cooperate
Not all parents support their children, and some refuse to provide information. Section 68 SGB III helps here: the agency can pay BAB in advance, i.e. without counting the parental contribution, if your training would otherwise be at risk. The parents are usually heard, and the maintenance claim passes to the agency. You yourself then do not have to take action against your parents.
Approval and continuation
Approval is usually for 18 months. Before it expires, file a continuation application — ideally two months in advance so that payments continue seamlessly. If your pay rises, you move or you drop out of training, you must report it immediately. Otherwise overpaid BAB will be reclaimed.
Financing your first flat
The need includes a fixed accommodation flat rate of €380. Higher rents are not covered additionally. So before signing the tenancy agreement, check whether pay plus BAB covers rent, utilities, electricity, internet and food. A room in a shared flat or a place in a trainee residence is often the more realistic choice.
A simple budget helps: on the income side, enter net pay, estimated BAB and any maintenance or child benefit; on the expense side, rent including utilities, electricity, phone, insurance, food and travel. If there is no buffer for unexpected expenses left, consider cheaper accommodation.
What about housing benefit?
Housing benefit is usually not an option for trainees entitled to BAB. Under section 20(2) of the Housing Benefit Act there is no entitlement if all household members are in principle entitled to BAB or BAföG — even if BAB is zero because of your income. If you live with people who have no such entitlement, the situation may differ; the housing benefit calculator gives a first estimate.
Before applying, estimate your BAB with the BAB calculator. The article BAB eligibility requirements explains which conditions you must meet.