Questions about BaföG
Who receives BaföG?
Students are generally entitled to receive BaföG. Whether and to what extent BaföG is approved depends on the student's own income and assets, as well as the income of the spouse and, if applicable, the parents. The subsidy is generally paid for the period of the standard period of study.
What changes for BaföG recipients with the birth of a child?
Basically, the BaföG application remains as complicated and extensive as before. With the birth of the child, it should additionally be noted that the benefits under BAföG are increased by a supplement accordingly. This requires the submission of the relevant evidence of the birth of the children. Postponements and extensions in funding are written into the law, but must be justified. This means that an approval cannot be made in a lump sum and concrete evidence of missed lecture units or exams should always be provided. Every studying parent should make sure that study delays resulting from pregnancy, education or illness of the child should also be logged.
Of course, it is especially important for parents to receive the childcare allowance of 113 euros for the 1st child and 85 euros for each additional child. For this purpose, it is necessary to pay attention to the appropriate form for the declaration of the parents about the residence and child care.
For those who are unable to complete their studies within the standard period of study due to pregnancy, care and upbringing of children (up to the age of 10), a grant may be awarded beyond the standard period of study, in accordance with § 15 Paragraph 3 No. 5 BaföG. The educational support provided in accordance with Section 15 (3) No. 5 BaföG is granted as a full subsidy.
The duration of the subsidy may be extended as follows:
- for pregnancy: 1 semester
- until the child reaches the age of 5: 1 semester per year of life
- for the 6th and 7th year of the child's life: 1 semester in total
- for the 8th to 10th year of the child's life: 1 semester in total.
Do I get BaföG if I take a semester off?
If studies cannot be carried out as a result of pregnancy, BaföG will continue to be paid for up to 3 months. Students who interrupt their studies by taking a semester off are not entitled to BAföG for the period of interruption. There is no general entitlement to unemployment benefit II according to § 7 SGB II. However, there are various hardship regulations (§7 Abs. 5 Satz 2 SGB II) that may apply. An application should be made in any case. If you do not take a semester off, the support does not change. There is no child supplement, but the child has its own entitlement to benefits such as child benefit, child supplement or social welfare benefit. An application for BaföG is submitted to the Studentenwerk Magdeburg:
Studentenwerk Magdeburg
Amt für Ausbildungsförderung
Johann-Gottlob-Nathusius-Ring 5 (WH 7)
39106 Magdeburg