Standard needs – securing a livelihood

The standard requirement for securing a livelihood includes in particular food, clothing, personal hygiene, household effects, household energy without the shares attributable to heating and the production of hot water, as well as personal needs in daily life. The personal needs of daily life include, to a reasonable extent, participation in social and cultural life in the community.

The standard requirement is taken into account as a monthly lump sum, whereby a distinction is made between age groups and certain life situations. If the standard requirement cannot be covered by income, assets or “priority” aid, there is an entitlement to state benefits to cover the standard requirement. Its calculation is carried out by the Federal Statistical Office. The standard requirement rates are adjusted annually on the basis of price developments and general wage developments.

The beneficiaries are responsible for deciding on the use of the services provided to cover the standard requirement; in doing so, they have to take into account the occurrence of irregularly occurring needs.