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Overcoming financial hardship - Find your individual solution

finanzielle-notlage-min

OVERCOMING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

If you find yourself in a financial emergency, you don't just need money, you need help. We provide you with an overview of the next steps you can take in an emergency.

First of all, you should make sure that your situation doesn't get any worse:

  • Take advantage of debt counseling: The sooner you go to debt counseling, the better. They often have long waiting times, so you should do this first. A professional can help you avert personal insolvency - or guide you through it as best as possible

  • Contact Caritas: In cases of hardship, Caritas can help you with food and catering vouchers or a donation. They can also help you apply for funding if you are overwhelmed by all the information.

  • Search for grants yourself: Depending on the federal state, there are different emergency aid and grants in Germany, for example for rent, school costs, heating and much more. Here you can find an overview and forms for emergency financial aid depending on your situation and federal state.

  • Shop temporarily in social markets: There are social markets where you can get food or clothes cheaply or even for free.

  • Defer payments: Regular payments such as rent, insurance, loan or leasing installments can often be deferred. Contact your provider, together you will certainly find a solution to alleviate your situation a little.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT GRANTS OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT?

Public debt counselling centres or organizations such as Diakonie, the German Red Cross, Caritas, the Consumer Advice Centre or the AWO can help you find solutions to your problems. You will receive lots of helpful tips and information and can request various bridging assistance depending on the federal state.

WHERE CAN I GET SOCIAL COUNSELING OR DEBT COUNSELING? CAN I GET ONE-OFF FINANCIAL SUPPORT THERE?

There are many different places where you can get help. Many of them also offer one-off financial support.

  • At schuldnerberatung.de or schuldnerberatungen.orgyou can find recognized advice centres by federal state. Verlag für Rechtsjournalismus also gives you 10 tips against debt directly online in an article.

  • You can also get advice and information in many different areas from the consumer advice center.

  • If you have children and do not have sufficient family income, you can apply for a child supplement. This is paid out in addition to child benefit.

  • At bmas.de you can apply for grants in various areas such as assistance with living expenses, health, education and much more.

WILL I GET HELP IMMEDIATELY IF I CONTACT A SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION?

Organizations such as Caritas, the German Red Crossor the AWO generally provide quick and sustainable help. Depending on your individual situation, you may receive financial assistance, but you will also be given lots of tips on how to get your finances under better control and how to avert further emergencies.

In many federal states, you can also get food from Caritas, find accommodation or use study rooms, for example, if you need them.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GET SUPPORT?

You can get financial help if you are in a financial emergency for personal, family or economic reasons that you can no longer cope with yourself.

The following documents may be required from you for various applications:

  • Official photo ID

  • Personal documents (citizenship card, divorce decrees or settlements, residence permit or notice of recognition)

  • Proof of income, if available

  • Documents relating to the apartment (rental costs)

  • Proof of benefits received

  • Proof of assets such as savings, property, bank statements, etc.

  • A justification of the request and an explanation of how the emergency situation arose.

  • An account card for the transfer of funds

  • Proof of payment arrears from energy providers and cost estimates for services that are required.

OTHER BRIDGING OPTIONS

Have you already visited all the counseling centers and still urgently need money? Could a small loan avert your personal insolvency? In this case, you have two more options under certain conditions. All you need is collateral or a car that you own. You put your item or vehicle up as collateral and borrow money against it.

1. PAWN LOAN

With a pawn loan, you can use collateral you own to borrow money. On cashy.de you will immediately receive an offer and the fees. You can receive cash immediately after handing it over in the store, shipping it or collecting it, or have your money transferred to your PayPal or bank account. After 30 days, you can extend, reduce or repay your credit again and again in your account.

2. CAR LOAN

With a car loan, you use your car as collateral to borrow money. Enter your vehicle details and the desired term in the calculator and the highest possible loan amount for your car will be displayed immediately. You will receive your money in cash or as a bank transfer after the check, and at the end of the term you can also extend, reduce or repay.