The need is more than €822
When people talk about the vocational training allowance, the figure €822 usually comes up. That is the living need for trainees with their own flat, made up of €442 basic need and €380 for accommodation. But the total need from which your income is deducted is often considerably higher. Sections 63 and 64 SGB III add travel costs and further expenses. Every euro you claim here increases your BAB directly — as long as your income does not exceed the need anyway.
Commuting to the company and vocational school
Under section 63(1) SGB III, the costs of journeys between your accommodation, the training company and vocational school are covered. The benchmark is the most suitable regularly operating public transport in the lowest class — in practice usually a monthly pass or a trainee ticket. If you depend on your own vehicle, for example because your shift starts before the first bus, you can receive a mileage allowance under the Federal Travel Expenses Act.
If the vocational school is in another city, for example for block teaching, these journeys count too. Keep tickets and receipts and state all routes in full in your application. If fares rise during the approval period, the benefit is adjusted as long as the period still has at least two months to run.
Trips home to the family
If accommodation away from home is necessary because the company cannot be reached from the parental home in reasonable time, one trip to the family per month is also taken into account. Alternatively, the costs of a monthly visit by a relative to you can be covered. Anyone who moves out close to the parental home at 18, on the other hand, gets no trips home — these require the distance condition.
€16 for work clothing
For every vocational training, a flat rate of €16 per month for work clothing is applied under section 64(1) SGB III. You do not need to submit receipts; the flat rate applies regardless of whether you actually wear protective clothing or work in an office.
€160 childcare per child
Trainees with children of their own receive €160 per child per month for looking after children who need supervision under section 64(3) SGB III. With two children, the need rises by €320. At the same time, having a child of your own removes the distance rule: you can receive BAB even if you live in your own flat near your parents. The child cost calculator shows what else a child costs.
Further costs in individual cases
In addition, under section 64(3) SGB III further costs can be recognised if they arise unavoidably from the training, are necessary to carry it out and the training would otherwise be at risk. This is a case-by-case decision. Describe such costs specifically in your application and enclose proof.
Example: how the need grows
A 20-year-old trainee with a toddler lives in her own flat. The monthly pass costs €60. Her need: €822 living costs, €16 work clothing, €60 travel and €160 childcare — €1,058 in total instead of €822. With €900 gross pay, €699.30 is counted; without a parental contribution, around €359 BAB per month remains.
Try your own figures in the BAB calculator. The main article Vocational Training Allowance 2026 explains the whole calculation step by step.