Benefits to secure livelihoods, known as subsistence benefits, are divided between SGB II and SGB XII.

Persons capable of work and their dependants receive benefits under SGB II. A person is capable of earning if they can work at least 3 hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labor market.

Persons who are temporarily unable to work receive benefits in accordance with SGB XII. The pension insurance provider determines the ability to work.

If the husband/wife or partner receives benefits under SGB II, there is no entitlement to benefits under SGB XII. An application must then be submitted to the Jobcenter in accordance with SGB II.

Assistance with living expenses in accordance with SGB XII is granted if the necessary living expenses cannot be met or cannot be met sufficiently from the person's own resources and means, in particular income and assets. Assistance with living expenses is paid monthly in advance as a lump sum.

From January 1, 2024, the following standard requirement levels apply

RBS 1: 563 euros
RBS 2: 506 euros
RBS 3: 451 euros
RBS 4: 471 euros
RBS 5: 390 euros
RBS 6: 357 euros

Single parents are entitled to an additional needs supplement, which is regulated in § 30 SGB XII.

If necessary, further additional needs can be granted, which must be applied for and justified on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, the appropriate costs for accommodation and heating are paid if required.