The most important things at a glance
‍Do you want to move into a new apartment as a citizen benefit recipient? The job center is your point of contact for living and moving. It can cover the costs of moving if you have good reasons and submit an application in good time.

When is it necessary to move?
The job center only covers the removal costs if a change of residence is necessary. This means that there must be a significant reason for the move out that cannot be remedied by other measures. A significant reason may be, for example:
‍
- The current apartment is too small, too big or financially inadequate
- The current housing situation is hazardous to health or endangers the safety of residents
- Moving is necessary to accept or keep a job
- An extract is necessary to complete training or a qualification measure
- The change of residence is necessary to deal with family or social problems.

When is the prior approval of the job center required for a move?
The prior approval of the job center is necessary if you want to continue receiving citizen benefits. Otherwise, the job center could refuse to pay the removal costs or reduce benefits. It is therefore important to inform the job center in good time that you are about to move out and to apply for reimbursement of the costs of the change of residence. The job center then checks whether the move is necessary and whether the new apartment is appropriate.

When is an apartment considered appropriate?
‍The job center will only cover the moving costs if your new apartment is considered appropriate. This means that it should meet the needs of household members and the cost of accommodation (KdU) must not exceed local guidelines. The KdU includes both rent or charge as well as ancillary costs. These local guidelines may vary depending on the region and apartment size. You can contact the job center or a counseling center to find out which KdU is appropriate in your case.

What removal costs are covered?
Normally, the job center covers the following moving costs:

— The costs of a freight forwarding company or a rental car if transportation cannot be arranged
— The costs of transporting household goods and personal belongings
— The costs of renovating or cosmetic repairing the old apartment, if agreed
— The costs of renovating or cosmetic repairing the new apartment, if necessary
— The costs of a double rent payment of up to six months if the old apartment could not be terminated in time or the new apartment is not yet ready for occupancy.

These removal costs are usually not taken over by the job center:

— The costs of a deposit or cooperative shares for the new apartment
— The cost of new furniture or furnishings
— The costs of brokerage commissions or distance payments for the old or new apartment

How do I apply for reimbursement of the costs of the move?
You must submit a written request to the job center to pay the removal costs. It is advisable to submit the application as early as possible before planning or carrying out the move. The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

— A reason for the change of residence and confirmation that the move is necessary.
— A confirmation of termination or a rental agreement for the old apartment
— A rental offer or a rental agreement for the new apartment
— Several (usually three) cost estimates for transportation, renovation and double rent payment

The job center will review your application and let you know in writing whether it will cover the moving out costs and to what extent. If the job center rejects the costs or only partially covers them, you have the option to file an objection or file a lawsuit.

‍