Learning and Engagement
In an effort to provide equal opportunities for children from low-income families, Germany has established a comprehensive framework of laws that offer financial assistance for educational and social participation activities. This article outlines the key details and requirements of these laws.
Firstly, Section 28 of the Social Code Book II (SGB II) provides benefits for education and participation for children and adolescents whose families receive basic income support under SGB II, also known as "Bürgergeld" or unemployment benefit II. These benefits cover costs for school events, learning materials, cultural participation, and communal meals, ensuring equal opportunities in education and social participation.
Similarly, Section 34 of the Social Code Book XII (SGB XII) grants education and participation benefits for children in need who receive social assistance under SGB XII. The scope and forms of assistance closely align with those under SGB II, focusing on covering costs for school events, learning materials, cultural participation, and communal meals.
Section 6b of the Federal Child Benefit Act (BKGG) extends education and participation benefits to children and young people who are eligible based on their families receiving specific social benefits like child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) or housing benefit (Wohngeld).
Lastly, Section 3 of the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG) covers children of asylum seekers and persons receiving asylum seekers' benefits, granting comparable education and participation assistance to children within this vulnerable group.
Key Requirements and Details: - The child must live in a family receiving income support under the respective social benefits laws listed above. - Eligibility includes participation funding for school supplies, school trips, learning support (e.g., tutoring), lunch at school or kindergarten, and access to cultural, musical, or sports activities. - The benefits are intended to reduce social exclusion and provide children from low-income families with equal opportunities to participate in education and society. - Applications for these services are typically handled by local Jobcenters (for SGB II), social welfare offices (for SGB XII), youth welfare offices (for § 6b BKGG), or relevant agencies handling asylum seekers’ benefits (for AsylbLG). - Documentation proving eligibility for the respective social benefits is required to access these education and participation services.
The Education and Participation Package, a component of this framework, supports children and young people from low-income families by offering funds for various offers in school and leisure time. These services are intended to enable children to use offers that would otherwise require personal payment. The Package does not repeat the scope of services for participation (Section 34 of SGB XII) or the regulations for claims in the Federal Child Benefit Act (section 6b).
Many different offers in culture and education are funded through the Education and Participation Package, with the aim of providing better opportunities for personal development and social participation for children. The services in the Education and Participation Package are designed to promote equal participation opportunities in German society for all children, regardless of their economic background.
Education and self-development is a fundamental aspect of the framework, as it offers learning opportunities for children from low-income families through various sections of the Social Code Books and the Federal Child Benefit Act.
The Education and Participation Package, a part of this comprehensive framework, provides funding for cultural and educational offers, ensuring equal opportunities for personal development and social participation for all children, regardless of their economic background.
